Advice for my weird massive tummy

[BirthdayCakeforme]

Hope someone on MN knows more than I do! So I’m a size 10, generally quite slim, but even 5 years after giving birth, I just have this weird massive tummy, which looks like I’m 6 months pregnant.

I work out a decent amount - around 3 times a week and can hold a plank for a minute/ do crunches.

It’s not really flabby either, more firm and round????

If it’s relevant, I did have an emergency c section followed by complications so didn’t work out for at least 6 months after I had DD.

It’s just so awful! I’m only 5,3” and quite small everywhere else so I literally look pregnant ALL the time. It makes getting dressed an absolute minefield. Well meaning relatives keep congratulating me on my impending ‘bundle of joy’

What is it? Am I stuck with a huge belly for life?

Thank you all, I’ll make an appointment and update if I hear anything

Hope you are ok op

I would agree with getting checked out by your GP but if it was something sinister, I'm pretty sure after approx 4 yrs, you'd be aware by now.

Try doing stomach vacuums, the Shelley Darlington tutorial on youtube is a good starting point.

I'm going through the same thing at the moment. Constant bloating and really bad smelly farts . I'm slim everywhere else but look 6 months pregnant (been asked twice recently when I'm due!).

If it's any reassurance I too was worried about something medical causing it - have had scans and blood tests and all ok, but best to get it checked out. I think it's just my body has changed after 2 babies and no matter how much weight I lose I don't think I'll ever go back to not looking pregnant!

I'm about to try cutting out either wheat or lactose so will see if that has any effect. Hope you get to the bottom of it!

In terms of how to dress, I've found skinny jeans/trousers/leggings with a longish shirt over the top works quite well as it hides tummy and accentuates legs. Not so good for summer though!!

It’s not uncommon to develop crohn’s or coeliac as an adult- I have friends who have been diagnosed. Both can cause bloating. Hope you get it sorted for your own peace of mind!

OK I'm overweight but I still look pregnant and I have for over 25 years. I blame it on having 3 large babies in 4 years

Def get checked out to rule out any medical issues.

If that’s all OK I would do two things:

1. Rebuild pelvic floor and gradually work on stomach muscles again
2. Research and experiment with ways of losing visceral fat specifically. Fasting can be good here (5:2, 12 hour fast overnight each day,”, etc I did Prolon but it’s not cheap), lowering cortisol levels to stop putting on weight round tummy, make sure getting enough sleep, excercisong to ensure fat burning, etc