The pregnancy process brings not only emotional but also physical changes. One of the significant physical changes is the excess weight gain and the deformity in the abdominal region, also known as the cesarean belly.
Although deformities in the abdominal region can occur after a natural birth, the recovery period is longer after a cesarean, leading many mothers to seek ways to get rid of the cesarean belly. So, why does the cesarean belly occur, what should be done to get rid of it, and how long does the recovery phase take?
What is the Cesarean Belly and Why Does It Occur? The deformity and swelling in the abdominal region after a cesarean birth are referred to as the cesarean belly. The main reason for this deformity is the separation of the two large muscle fibers that come together in the middle of the abdomen during pregnancy, creating a gap of more than 2.7 centimeters between these muscles, known as diastasis recti.
Although the same deformities and swelling can also occur after a natural birth, the longer recovery period after a cesarean creates the misconception that this belly is due to the cesarean. The reason for the longer recovery period after a cesarean is the anesthesia administered during the procedure, which prolongs breastfeeding and the time to start moving.
How Long After Birth Can the Cesarean Belly Go Away? The first three months following childbirth are considered a recovery period for mothers in both psychological and physical terms. This period is essential for the body to recover and for hormone changes to stabilize. Therefore, it is thought to wait for the first three months to pass to start melting away the pregnancy belly.
Especially during the first six weeks, it is essential to rest and then start the belly melting process with short walks and kegel exercises without exhausting the body. This way, you will provide enough time for your body to recover, and you can prevent the settling of post-pregnancy weight. * Afterward, with exercise and a healthy eating program, it is possible to have your old abdomen back within about six months.
What Can Be Done to Melt the Cesarean Belly?
First and foremost, the indispensable element of this process is to establish a healthy eating routine. By a healthy eating routine, it is meant not to go on a diet or have insufficient calorie intake; on the contrary, it should be a eating habit supported by natural foods without skipping meals. Changing your eating habits with healthy options not only melts the cesarean belly but also increases breast milk production. For healthy food recommendations after childbirth, you can take a look at our article on how to increase breast milk.Doing exercises to tone the belly is also essential, but these exercises should not include intense abdominal exercises such as sit-ups or planks. These exercises can put more strain on your abdominal muscles and cause diastasis recti, which can lead to inability to get rid of the belly even with exercise, as well as negative effects like urinary incontinence.
Between 6 weeks and 3 months, you can do light-paced and short walks and simple stretching exercises. Starting from the 3rd month after childbirth, you can choose sports such as pilates and yoga to accelerate the recovery process of your muscles and get rid of your belly.
As we all know, getting enough sleep is one of the most important factors in the weight loss process, and many individuals who prioritize getting enough sleep may still have trouble losing weight despite exercising and dieting. The same is true for the post-cesarean belly recovery process, so you should pay attention to getting enough sleep. Of course, being a new mom may mean sleepless nights due to the frequency of breastfeeding or colic baby syndrome. In this process, trying to establish your baby's sleep schedule is essential for your sleep health as well. Reading our article on infant sleep training and trying the recommended methods or giving your baby a sleep companion that will always be with them can help you during this process.
Frequently Asked Questions How can I lose weight after a cesarean birth? To lose weight after a cesarean birth, a light-paced walk starting from the 3rd week after birth and a healthy eating program are sufficient.
When can I start exercising after giving birth? You can start with light-paced walks from the first 3 weeks after birth and start doing yoga and pilates-like exercises from the 3rd month.
What can be done to lose weight after childbirth? Light-paced walks and a doctor-prepared eating program will quickly help you lose post-pregnancy weight.
Can breastfeeding mothers go on a diet? Following a healthy eating program under the supervision of a doctor will replace diet during pregnancy and help you get rid of excess weight.
How can I tighten my sagging belly after childbirth? Starting from the 3rd month after childbirth, you can choose sports like pilates and yoga to tighten your belly and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
