This archive report was first published on 23 June 2021.
For many women, the post-baby belly can be a persistent problem, leaving them wondering why their tummies still look like they're five months pregnant two months after giving birth.
According to Dr. Hussein Habib, a Mombasa-based gynecologist, diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition that affects 60% of women worldwide. DRA is a partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, also known as the six-pack muscles, which meet at the midline of the stomach.
This condition occurs when the uterus stretches the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, and they don't shrink back together as they should. Dr. Habib explains that multiple pregnancies, being overweight, and intrinsic factors such as genetics can increase a woman's chances of experiencing DRA.
While some women may try to tighten their tummies with a cloth or postpartum corset, Dr. Habib notes that there's no scientific evidence to support these practices. Instead, he recommends postpartum physical exercises, done after being cleared by a doctor, to improve and maintain the tone of abdominal muscles.
Research published in the Journal of Women's Health found that 90% of women who experienced DRA had not exercised before or during pregnancy, and overweight women were more likely to suffer from abs separation. Dr. Habib also cautions that sometimes DRA may require surgery, especially when exercise and a healthy diet haven't been effective in correcting the condition.
Published on June 23, 2021, at 08:50:00.
