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Just wondering why I can't start physio for my separated tummy muscles until 6 weeks after birth?? Is it to do with my actual tummy muscles or is it a pelvic floor issue or is it a different thing altogether?
It just seems that everything revolves around the 6 week mark...a bit annoying as I want to get onto getting back into shape sooner rather than later :wall:
Hun, when you are in in the late stages of pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin which makes everything loose so that your pelvis can open up etc. This makes you extra flexible and it is very easy to do damage to muscles, tendons etc. The relaxin is still in high levels for 6 weeks or so after the birth, and without a pg belly to stop you overdoing it, it is very, very easy to do long term damage. Also, your pelvic floor and core muscles have been very strained and need to be eased back into use very gently. You can start to do very gentle pelvic floor exercises while lying down in the beginning, but it is good advice to wait until 6 weeks before doing anything more strenuous. You have just given birth hun - give yourself some time :hug:
Aaaah relaxin. Ok well that makes sense as I'm still a bit 'loose' in the groin area..was wondering why!
Thanks MR :)
It can take 6 weeks for nerve endings to heal also I was told by my physio. So if you are feeling a little loose or not much feeling when you do a pelvic squeeze then that is why ;)
There are some mild exercises you can do for tummy seperation. You lie down and try to push your belly button through to the bed. (they may have shown you this one during pregnancy, if it was diagnosed pre-birth). Even at 6 weeks, the exercises don't get that much more physical, you just trying to strengthen all core muscles. The DRAM often comes back together with no exercises too!
No sit ups and protect your back and tummy when leaning down or picking anything up.