What is Abdominal Separation After Pregnancy?

Article by Annette Willson

What is Abdominal Separation After Pregnancy?

The muscles of the stomach have a connective tissue that run from the ribs and sternum to the top of the pubic bone. This is strong collagen tissue and assists the abdominal muscles to hold the organs and pelvic contents in. Muscle separation pregnancy is the result of the baby pushing the muscles out as it grows. The muscles separate near the end of pregnancy like a seam under pressure. The center line separates and the post pregnancy stomach has a gap in it. This is what Abdominal separation after pregnancy is. It can be fixed with abdominal exercises post pregnancy. Post pregnancy exercise is the only way to repair the post pregnancy stomach.

How Do you Test For Abdominal Separation after Pregnancy?

This is an easy test that any mother can perform but probably best tested by a Physiotherapist.The muscle separation pregnancy test must be done prior to starting any post pregnancy exercise program.

Here is a test you can do too see if you have an abdominal separation after pregnancy.

o Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.o Place your hands flat on your abdomen with your fingers pointed towards your each othero Just at and below your belly button digg your finger in deep to your belly.o Lift your head and shoulders off the floor and feel the abdominal muscle tighteno If you feel a gap or bulge in your abdomen, you may have an abdominal separation after pregnancy.o Do this test 2-3 times and make sure you can feel the 2 ridges of the long rectus muscle.o The muscle separation pregnancy test is very valid and it may be gap up to 10cm wide.

What Exercises Do I do to Fix Abdominal Separation After Pregnancy?

I am a Physiotherapist so I am very big on training the Transverse Abdominal Muscle. This muscle wraps around the waist and is considered the corset muscle. The post pregnancy stomach is usually potty and bulges out. The abdominal separation after pregnancy causes the middle of the belly to bulge and be very weak. This will impact on strength and back pain and function looking after your new baby.

The Best Post Pregnancy Exercise.

I will give you simple instructions on how to initiate the Transverse Abdominal Muscle to start you on the process of your post pregnancy exercise program. Abdominal exercises post pregnancy need to be performed slowly and with your complete attention The Abdominal separation after pregnancy is the only time this occurs.

The post pregnancy stomach must be exercised by understanding and having complete control of the Transverse Abdominal muscle. This is in fact Pure Pilates

Try This

o Lay on your side with knees bent up and a pillow under your head.o concentrate on your breathing pattern.o As you blow out draw your post pregnancy stomach in below the belly button.o Let it it out as you breathe ino This is the opposite pattern to which yo are used to.o Practice co-ordinating your breath out with a tummy in action. Abdominal Separation After Pregnancy and Pilates

I do not recommend attending Pilates classes until your abdominal exercises post pregnancy become a part of your daily life. Keep practicing the breath out and tummy in exercise as you lift, work, play and function. This simple post pregnancy exercise will get you started only.