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Separation of abdominal muscles

(10 Posts)
Mishap Mon 15-Jun-15 11:53:29

My DD, who had a baby 5 weeks ago, was huge during her pregnancy and it now seems that her abdominal muscles have separated and there is a 10 cm gap down the front of her abdomen. She still looks 9 months pregnant. She has been given a massive tubigrip that she has to wear during the day and some exercises to do twice a day - this on top of looking after two little ones on no sleep!

I had never heard of (and certainly never experienced) this problem - anyone else out there who has experienced this and has any useful advice/encouragement?

AshTree Mon 15-Jun-15 11:59:38

Oh goodness, your poor DD shock. I have heard of it, mainly because of my DD being pregnant and she has read so much about all the things that can happen. It is more common than I thought, and it's quite possible I experienced it completely unaware. I was very big with my first pregnancy, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility.

Katek Mon 15-Jun-15 14:10:04

My SIL had this problem ...think she had tubigrip and physio. It did heal and she had another baby afterwards. Sorry to hear your dd has this to deal with as well as two littlies.

Mishap Mon 15-Jun-15 14:16:01

That's very encouraging Katek - thank you.

Katek Mon 15-Jun-15 14:43:27

Think she went to Pilates after muscles had healed to strengthen her core. She's still climbing mountains at 63!!

Mishap Mon 15-Jun-15 14:53:05

I have taken a peek at the mumsnet forum because I thought there might be some takers on there - and indeed there were! Seems to be good news for most, who have reduced the gap with exercises and have gone on to have further pregnancies.

Teetime Mon 15-Jun-15 16:52:48

That sounds very painful but as far as I know it does heal over time with exercise. Hope she is feeling OK.

Mishap Mon 15-Jun-15 18:16:56

Thanks Teetime - she is OK - very very tired of course, but staying upbeat about this abdominal problem.

mcem Mon 15-Jun-15 18:27:08

Yes, stop worrying. My DD had the same problem and it sorted itself out with a bit of exercise. Apparently it's most likely to happen to fit young women with flat, tight tummies ( as she was ).
One of the few times when slightly flabby tummy muscles might be an advantage?
Not a problem I had with a first pregnancy at 38!

HildaW Mon 15-Jun-15 18:47:52

I had this after my second baby...first was a huge 9 and a half pounder 2 weeks late and with a full induction.... second a bit lighter but a much easier birth. Mine was sorted out by doing those subtle little exercises that you are given. Although a midwife did say that if I had a third I'd need some sort of extra support during any other pregnancy.

I would add a note of caution as to later prolapses....I have one caused, I've been told, by those two big babies and perhaps a more conscientious pelvic floor regime might have been a good idea.