Split abdominal muscls after pregnancy

Oops - missed an e in the title!

I know a man who has this from a very physical job he's been told to stop lifting heavy weight and that swimming and very gentle exercises may help it heal. It's not happening though, there are videos on utube with excercise for post pregnancy muscle problems. Could she ask her doctor for advise.

Luckygirl, Google the Tulper technique and have a read. My DD did her exercises and they really helped. She still has a tiny gap, but it doesn't bother her now.

I had three sections and have always had a gap . It doesn't seem to cause any problems . Exercise is the only thing which will help her get a flatter tummy , it is nothing to do with the gap ( split muscles ) I don't think it is that uncommon for pregnancy to result in this happening .

I didn't know that they could rejoin once split. This happened to DD (huge baby, should have had a Caesarian). She has not mentioned it recently and I don't like to ask as she may think that I think her tummy is large.

Perhaps that's what's wrong with mine?

One of DDs friends had this and also had a hernia. She had surgery for both which worked but apparently it was very painful after the op. I think she had to rest up for about two weeks after the op. Upside was by pulling the muscles together it worked as a tummy tuck! She had it done privately, not sure if NHS do it.

My DD also had this happen - it's called Diastasis Recti and is much more common than is generally realised. There is a lot of self help online, probably worth Googling for explanations and exercise. I remember DD saying there were certain exercises she shouldn't do because it could make it worse - crunches were one, if I remember correctly - so it's definitely worth doing your research before starting an exercise regime.

The gap in the muscles is a full hand's width - it is horrible. She has been given some exercises to help a bit but has been told it will never go away without surgery. I think it is more than a cosmetic issue - there is a danger of herniation.

Oh Lg that sounds rather extreme, poor girl. I do hope she finds the right solution for her, and sooner rather than later. for her and for you too

Thanks - I was in shock a bit after I realised how bad it was. I am sure there will be a way through this - I have suggested that she does the exercises very regularly for a couple of months and then goes and discusses it with the GP if things have not improved. She did the exercises immediately post delivery, but has not been doing them recently - understandable with little children and a job - and also it must be a bit depressing to know that this will not cure it.

I will send the link to the Tulper technique - thanks for that hilda.