Split Abdominal muscle anyone?

[lizziedripping]

Hi everyone. As some of you know, a woman's main abdo muscle (the six pack one) separates during pregnancy to accomodate the growind uterus - it. After giving birth it usually settles slowly back together. In my case, and in other women who have had twins, large babies or several pregnancies, it can seperate a little too much and not come together again leaving a gaping hole

When my twins had arrived, our consultant who looked after me when my premature daughter was born came to see me, and said that I had a 3-4cm gap (when normally it is 2) and that it would need surgery to correct. My belly button and stomach contents are not being supported by anything, so I have an unsightly "pot bellied" appearance. He said that at the moment there is no protection of my bowel and it is dangerous to leave things as they are.

I had physio for several weeks, and the physiotherapist said the gap had closed to 2cms and that she didn't think surgery was necessary. The doc says different, and that there is an area of my tummy (around my naval) where the gap is still significant. WHen asking him if excercise is likely to close that gap further, he couldn't say.

I am quite slim, and very active, and seriously swim twice a week which is great for toning these kind of muscles. I was wondering if any other mums here had had this experience and can let me know if their abdomen repaired itself over time, and if so how long did it take? Did you do anything specific to help it? ANyone had the surgery to correct the problem?

I really don't want the trauma of surgery unless absolutely necessary, but neither do I want the continuing discomfort, hernia-like symptoms, and horrid appearance that I have now. My twins were massive (9Ibs and 7Ibs - plus 2 placentas and sacs), and of course I didn't expect to have "washboard abs" after their birth, but I now need to know best course of action to take prevent any problems later on.

Any advice/experience much appreciated

 

[Bec L]

Hi hun
No advice I'm afraid but I hope you get some answers. You're so good at helping everyone else

Ps your family is gorgeous! How big are those boys now!!!

 

[lizziedripping]

HI Bec - great to hear from you. Boys are 18wks and around 181/2 and 161/2 Ibs. They're such good boys, can't believe our luck really.

How're you and your little ones? xxx

 

[moomin_troll]

the gap between my muscles closed themselves and im not very active at all, my mum was shocked and said the gap on her muscles never closed. but im pretty sure u shud go with what ur physio says to u x

 

[Bec L]

We're great thanks Lizzie, other than both the girls having horrible colds at the moment. But Florrie is a dream, such a good little baby, we feel very very lucky too And Poppy has taken to being a big sister better than we ever imagined.

 

[Seity]

Since you are active, I would go with what the physio said. Perhaps give it some more time and then reassess? I had a teeny baby, so mine never actually separated, so I don't have any experience with it myself.

 

[RinnaRoo]

I can feel mine when I lay down. Its rather odd. Im getting back into my fitness, so Im waiting for a change.