Split Abdominal muscle anyone?

[lizziedripping]

Hi everyone - thought I'd try posting this here too to maximise chance of a response . 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 the 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 wndering if any twin mummies 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 (16Ibs total), 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

 

[isil]

I had quite a big baby (8lbs 10oz) and had a massive bump. My abdominal muscles split and I still have a 3cm-ish gap. I've been told that although it may close over time, it will never close completely by itself and after I've definitely finished having children, they might consider surgery.

I absolutely hate it. I get the 'hernia like' symptoms I think :/ Just makes me feel chubby and crap. I was pretty fit before having my son and until recently exercised regularly. I'm trying to get back into it...but I'm sure i've been told that it won't make too much difference unfortunately.

 

[oct-bump]

My sister has this. It started with her 2nd child, I think. Back in 2001. She had her 3rd child May of 2009 and it's a lot worse now. Her doctor told her there's no way to correct it besides surgery. As of right now, she doesn't want surgery because she wants to use the money on the kids instead.

I had the separation during my pregnancy, but I went to physical theropy throughout and afterwards. Mine is back to normal. The physio doc said these things can be hereditary.

If it were me, I would get the surgery. I think the medical term is called Diastasis recti.

 

[nikkip19]

urgh i have it. luca was 9 lbs and i had a HUGE amount of amniotic fluid with him so i was huge. doc said surgery is only option. i have a history of hernias from before i fell pregnant and they were corrected. but now i have a huge (baseball size) hernia right above my bellybutton . my belly looks aweful

 

[PeanutBean]

I had it and had physio afterwards which seems to have kept things ok. This pregnancy I'll get the referral I asked for but didn't get last time so I have a bump support. Ididn't have twins but I'm pretty shortwaisted and my bump was just giant. I felt it when they tore, was so painful!

My SIL had twins and separated. Postnatally she had to wear a supertight support tube for some time and no doubt will have had physio. She hasn't had surgery and had another baby since then and I've not heard she had any problems.

I would be inclined to trust the physio however perhaps under the circumstances it would be good to get second opinions from another physio and doctor.