How to remove a sagging belly after a caesarean section?

Why does the stomach after a cesarean section not return to its previous state?

The main factors that form a saggy belly after an unnatural birth are:

• Shifted center of gravity . Carrying a child for 9 months has a negative effect on gait and posture. Under the influence of a protruding abdomen, the shoulders slouch, the back hunches, the abs relax, and there is a backward deviation when walking.
• Overweight . Active consumption of food by pregnant women promises weight gain, provoking the appearance of fat deposits in the abdomen and waist, especially after cesarean section.
• Abdominal strain . A weak muscle corset, loss of muscle and skin tone form a skin fold in the abdomen - an “apron” effect occurs.
• Diastasis. Many pregnant women are more or less susceptible to deformation of the fascia that connects the abdominal muscles and runs vertically through the navel.
• Muscular weakness . While carrying a baby, a woman rarely devotes time to maintaining her physical condition through gymnastics. This leads to loss of muscle tone and muscle sagging.
• Hernia. The period of gestation can be too burdensome for a woman. If such a problem is detected, you should consult a doctor in order to avoid pinching the hernia.

You can get rid of skin folds through cosmetic procedures, and fighting fat deposits is more effective through sports activities and diets.

Reasons for appearance

There are not many reasons for the appearance of an “apron” on the abdomen after a caesarean section. Therefore, before dealing with this problem, you need to find out the true factors of its occurrence.

1. Little amount of physical activity. This is the most common reason why a sagging belly forms after a cesarean section. Many women are simply too lazy to exercise at home. Lack of muscles in the abdominal area leads to relaxation of the abdominal wall and the appearance of a belly. Training should be started only after consultation with a specialist, otherwise the healing sutures may come apart.
2. Muscle diastasis. Abdominal muscle separation occurs in all pregnant women, but for some it develops into a more serious form. The most important condition for exercising with diastasis is to avoid classic twists. It is better to give preference to static exercises or “vacuum”.
3. Hernia. The rarest cause of a sagging belly after cesarean section. You won't be able to fight it at home.

In addition, many women mistakenly believe that the pounds gained during pregnancy will go away immediately after childbirth. That’s why they allow themselves to consume high-calorie foods that are harmful to their figure. It is not surprising that after a caesarean section, such women experience a sagging belly, which they want to get rid of as soon as possible.

How to get rid of the belly after a caesarean section, when you can start taking action

There are several ways that can help get rid of belly fat. The main ones include:

• nutrition adjustments;
• daily walks;
• regular fitness classes;
• cosmetic procedures to restore skin tone.

The above tips are aimed not only at solving the problem of a sagging belly, but can also help bring your figure into shape.

The process of recovery after a cesarean section can begin immediately after discharge from the hospital, but provided that the woman in labor has no serious complaints about her own health, and there are no contraindications from the doctor. Physical activity is recommended from the first days, and active physical activity only after tightening the stitches.

Intensive exercise after cesarean section is contraindicated for the following reasons:

1. The uterus is restored to its previous size in at least 2 months.
2. The skin and muscles normalize from 3 months to 1.5 years.
3. There is a high risk of suture rupture when playing sports in the first six months after surgery or without the doctor’s permission.

What is a caesarean section

A caesarean section is the surgical delivery of a baby. This procedure is usually performed according to indications when a woman cannot give birth to a baby on her own. During it, a horizontal incision is made on the abdomen, and the uterus is also cut. This is required to safely remove the child.

Indications for caesarean section:

• sudden stop of labor;
• insufficient oxygen levels for the baby;
• presence of problems with the placenta;
• incorrect position of the child;
• large fruit size;
• various health problems that require urgent delivery;
• previous caesarean sections;
• multiple pregnancy;
• problems with the umbilical cord;
• diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• HIV, herpes.

Physical activity, abdominal exercises after cesarean section

The key factor solving the problem is physical activity. It involves the following activities:

• normal walking;
• posture control;
• performing household chores without excessive physical exertion;
• abdominal retraction;
• sitting on a special ball used for fitness;
• walking (with a child in a stroller) away from highways.

Lack of physical activity in the postoperative period inevitably leads to excess weight gain, causing even greater sagging in the abdominal area.

Special gymnastic exercises for women who have undergone a cesarean section involve light physical activity that allows you to gradually get rid of the current problem: a saggy belly. Depending on the amount of time that has passed since the operation, you can perform certain exercises.

Gymnastics for 2-3 days:

1. Taking a horizontal position on your back, stretch your legs and place your relaxed arms along your body. Take turns doing leg curls, maintaining a smooth rhythm.
2. Lying on your back, bend your legs and throw your arms behind your head, imitating the process of swimming.
3. Lie with your back down and, bending your legs, take a pillow with your hands and lift it above your chest. Take a breath with your elbows bent. After a few seconds, exhale, squeezing the pillow and tensing the pectoral and back muscles.
4. Lying with your stomach up, bend your knees and squeeze the pillow with them, weakening and straining the muscles alternately.

Gymnastics for 4-8 days:

1. Lie with your back down, gather your hands in the navel area and draw it in with each exhalation.
2. Place your arms along your body while lying on your back. Raise your head a little, hold it for a few seconds, and relax.
3. Bend your knees and relax your arms, first taking a horizontal position. Perform alternate leg lifts, touching your stomach with them.
4. While on your back, spread your arms to the sides and bend your legs, pressing the pillow with your knees. Make alternating sideways bends with them.

Gymnastics after 9-14 days:

1. In a lying position, relax your arms, placing them along your body, and bend your legs, holding the pillow with your knees. Raise your buttocks and hips as much as possible, secure and lower after a few seconds.
2. Lying on your back, lock your hands behind your head and lift it along with your shoulder blades and shoulders. Take turns reaching your elbow towards the opposite knee (left to right), avoiding touching your chest with your chin.
3. Clasp your hands, throw them behind your head, lying on your back. Bend your knees and raise your head with your shoulders and shoulder blades, hold the pillow with your feet and simultaneously reach for both knees.
4. Lie with your stomach down, relax your arms and extend them along your body. As you exhale, lift your arms off the floor and bend your elbows. Then bend your legs, hold them a little and straighten them.

Gymnastics after 4 weeks:

1. Torso bends.
2. Squats.
3. Abdominal exercises.
4. Scissors.
5. Birch.

After 2 months , you can go to the gym and exercise as much as possible, but only under the supervision of a personal trainer in order to avoid postoperative problems.

As a rule, doctors allow doctors to start intensive exercises six months after a cesarean section. However, this does not prevent you from restoring your figure from the first days after surgery. You can achieve effectiveness from performing gymnastic exercises by gradually increasing loads without the possibility of overwork.

Activity limit

The main obstacle to regaining good physical shape for those whose baby was born by caesarean section is the long-term ban on traditional weight loss exercises. For at least six months, a young mother should not make sudden movements, lift weights or lead a habitually active lifestyle.

However, you can start working on restoring the elasticity of your tummy as early as a month after the operation. To do this, you need to ask your doctor to prescribe a set of special exercises.

As for the phase of active weight loss, for cesarean women in labor it begins no earlier than a year after the birth of the baby.

It all depends on the location of the seam (longitudinal or transverse), how well it was applied and how well the tissues have grown together. Only a doctor can give the go-ahead for intensive work to restore slimness after a caesarean section.

Proper nutrition

The following nutritional rules will help you get rid of the hated belly with sides formed after a cesarean section:

1. Avoid solid foods for the first 3 days after suturing, providing nutrition to the body through a dropper.
2. Focus on foods rich in the following minerals:

• Iron (Fe) – to restore muscle tone (beans, meat, green vegetables, liver, pomegranates and buckwheat).
• Calcium (Ca) - for speedy tightening of stitches, normalization of metabolic processes, active removal of fats (cheeses, yoghurts, dairy products).

1. Take special vitamin supplements to maintain biochemical processes in the body, restore the previous figure (“Complivit Mama”, “Vitrum Prenatal”, “Elevit Pronatal”, “Alphabet Mom’s Health” and others).
2. Eat food frequently (up to 7 times a day) and in small portions.
3. Drink plenty of purified (mineral) water.
4. Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, marinades, smoked foods, salty foods, fast food and caffeine.

It is worth starting to provide a balanced diet immediately after eliminating the IV, but during lactation it is forbidden to severely limit the diet.

Useful restrictions

Strict limits in terms of health are not always beneficial for the body. A clear confirmation of this are various kinds of diets (including those that young mothers resort to in order to quickly regain their previous shape). However, childbirth weakens a woman, and the corresponding operation imposes special rehabilitation requirements. So neither natural nor cesarean women in labor can do without restrictions.

Women who have undergone a cesarean section should be more attentive to themselves and follow all postoperative instructions.

The main restriction for new mothers concerns the culture of food consumption. Regardless of whether a woman gave birth naturally or surgically, any diets, as well as taking bioactive supplements and diet pills, are contraindicated for her.

Therefore, the main way to get rid of the negative consequences of pregnancy was, is and will be the principles of a healthy, balanced diet. Since it is impossible to get rid of belly fat without following a special regime.

Indeed, in all matters related to weight loss and health, the main factor is moderation and reasonableness. But we must not forget: a well-designed diet helps solve the problem of excess weight, but does not in any way affect the restoration of stretched tissues.

Cosmetical tools

Cosmetic products can have a positive effect on a sagging belly. They activate the mechanisms in the body responsible for the breakdown of fatty structures and toning the skin (stitches and stretch marks disappear). The most effective and popular means are:

• Contrasting douches. Once in the shower, direct the stream of water to the problematic part of the abdomen and alternately change the temperature from cold to warm.
• Cream. Take several mummy dragees, crush them, add baby cream in proportions of 1 to 1 and mix. Rub the resulting product onto your stomach after taking a shower and rinse off after 3 hours.
• Coffee based scrub . Add ground coffee beans to the container of the shower gel you are using. Use the product as directed, spending more time on the sides and stomach.
• Scrub based on sea salt. Mix olive oil (preferably unrefined) with salt. Rub the resulting mixture thoroughly onto the stomach (until redness appears) and rinse with warm water.
• Toning compress. Soak a terry towel in cold water and wrap it around your stomach (or just apply it). After 5 minutes, repeat the procedure using another towel soaked in hot water.

To achieve maximum results from cosmetics, they should be used only after postoperative wounds have healed in combination with physical activity, exercise, and diet.

Other methods to remove belly fat after cesarean

In conditions of shortage of time required for recovery after cesarean section, the following methods of eliminating the abdomen are practiced:

1. Hiking . This means walking in the fresh air with a newborn in a stroller.
2. Swimming. A doctor's permission and an instructor are required.
3. Bodyflex. Special breathing exercises that take 15 minutes a day. It is recommended to do bodyflex immediately after waking up in the morning. Breathing exercises require control and a positive attitude. Exhale should be done through the mouth, and inhale through the nose. All breathing manipulations should be calm and deep.

Technique for performing breathing exercises:

• Exhale as much as possible.
• Pull your stomach in towards your ribs.
• Hold for at least 10 seconds.
• Relax your muscles and take a deep breath.

Bandage. A special tightening medical device for fixation, support of the abdominal muscles and prevention of stretch marks. A high-quality bandage meets the following standards:

• made of cotton fabric, microfiber;
• breathable;
• absorbs moisture;
• has the following forms: belt, panties, skirt, bermuda shorts.

Indications for use of the bandage:

• support for sutures, abdominal muscles;
• strengthening the press;
• reducing strain on the abdominal and back muscles (especially when caring for a newborn);
• increased contractility of the uterus;
• fixation of the internal organs of the pelvis to avoid their prolapse;
• activation of regenerative functions for postoperative restoration of damaged muscles and tissues;
• wear for 5-9 weeks, taking half-hour breaks every 2-4 hours.

Contraindications for wearing a bandage:

• allergic reaction to the material;
• skin pathologies (dermatitis, neurodermatitis, eczema);
• Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, vomiting);
• any pain in the lower abdomen;
• renal and cardiovascular pathologies that cause swelling;
• inflammation of the suture.

The use of a bandage after a caesarean section must be approved by a medical professional.

Plastic surgery

Abdominoplasty is considered an extreme, radical measure to get rid of the belly. The use of this method is indicated in cases where there are:

• postpartum stretch marks;
• rough scar after a suture;
• skin fold due to sudden weight loss;
• diastasis;
• prolapse of the abdominal wall;
• noticeable fat apron.

There are the following types of tummy tuck:

• Endoscopic abdominoplasty . This type of surgical intervention is carried out without incisions - through 2-centimeter punctures, into which special tubes and instruments are inserted. The operation lasts about two hours. It can be combined with a liposuction procedure. Endoscopic abdominoplasty does not leave scars, minimizes the rehabilitation period and the likelihood of complications. It is used in the following cases: weakened abdominal tone, abdominal sprains.
• Mini abdominoplasty. A minor incision is made to remove excess tissue without affecting the navel. The operation lasts about three hours and is indicated for minor stretch marks, sagging of the lower abdomen, muscle weakness, and minor excess skin.
• Classic abdominoplasty . A suprapubic incision is made, the excess skin-fat layer is separated, the muscles are sutured, and the umbilical region is formed. The operation is used in the presence of the following deformities: rough scars, excess fat, skin or fat apron.

Preparation for abdominoplasty includes:

Taking tests:

• cardiogram;
• Ultrasound of the peritoneum;
• blood test, including biochemistry and coagulogram;
• detection of hepatitis, HIV;
• anesthesiologist's report.

Medical orders:

• quitting nicotine 2 weeks before surgery;
• a late light dinner the day before surgery;
• performing an enema the night before, as well as in the morning on the day of surgery;
• Do not consume food or water on the day of surgery.

The operation involves the following steps:

• Anesthesia (general anesthesia).
• Making marked punctures or cuts.
• Manipulation of skin and fat folds, muscles (excision, suturing).
• Stitching and processing.
• Duration 90 minutes–5 hours.

The duration of the rehabilitation period in the absence of complications does not exceed 4 weeks and involves the following actions:

1. The use of analgesics, antibacterial creams, ointments.
2. Wearing shapewear - a bandage.
3. Periodic trips to the doctor for dressings and examination.

Contraindications for abdominoplasty:

• age less than 18 or more than 60 years;
• obesity 3-4 degrees;
• diabetes type 1, 2;
• various allergic reactions;
• skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis);
• cardiac, renal, liver failure (cirrhosis, hepatitis);
• blood diseases, poor clotting;
• problems with the thyroid gland;
• HIV, oncology, acute infection or inflammation;
• respiratory disorders;
• pathology of the respiratory system, tuberculosis;
• serious psychoneurological abnormalities;
• intolerance to anesthesia;
• post-stroke, post-infarction condition;
• the presence of a scar located above the navel;
• recent surgery;
• early pregnancy planning, during pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Possible complications after surgery:

• hematoma;
• edema;
• seroma;
• suture dehiscence, large scar;
• wound suppuration;
• necrosis;
• rarely pulmonary edema, thrombosis, congestive pneumonia and increased intra-abdominal pressure.

Video about correction of the anterior abdominal wall after cesarean section

Features of correction of the abdominal area after cesarean section through abdominoplasty. In what cases is surgical intervention necessary, says plastic surgeon Dr. Sedyshev.

It is quite possible to get rid of the belly formed as a result of a cesarean section. From the first days you should be physically active, gradually preparing the body for gymnastic exercises. In this case, you need to adhere to a balanced fractional diet and carry out cosmetic procedures. Do not ignore medical advice and prohibitions.

Don't forget to prepare for the 4th trimester

So, in order to remove the belly after a caesarean section in a short period of time, you should mentally prepare for this process in advance, namely, think about it even at the stage of pregnancy.

According to the Baby Center, by the time labor begins, the uterus is 15 times heavier and 500 times larger than before pregnancy. It follows from this that at the stage of the 4th trimester it will take time for the uterus to return to its original state. Immediately after the baby is born, the doctor usually feels the position of the uterus near the navel. Full return to the pelvic area takes almost 2 weeks. In addition, it takes several more weeks for the uterus to reach its original size.