https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:36:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697736 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:05:17 +0000 hpopny 697736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had it and I think it's just about closed now, at 8.5 months pp! I'm still tentative about doing any kind of ab work while taking (the infrequent) exercise class.<br /> I got one one of those belly bands that velcro, about 4 weeks pp, but not sure it really did much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697638 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:33:26 +0000 JoJoGirl 697638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@maybebaby: I've cut back on heavy weightlifting and all exercises that put strain on my midsection (planks, etc) to try and be careful to not make it worse. I even make sure I don't get out of bed in a way that makes it bulge out (ie roll over to one side, then push myself up). I think it's gotten worse as I've gotten bigger but my midwife doesn't seem too concerned, she thinks right now it's 1-2 finger widths. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697376 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:58:06 +0000 maybebaby 697376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I think I have developed this, but my midwife didn't say for sure. When I get up from lying down, middle of the belly bows out, just a little bit, but definitely noticeable. How have you been doing with yours? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697361 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:43:48 +0000 Jumpingjacks 697361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes: that's good to hear. Gives me hope, thanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697253 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:55:26 +0000 rachiecakes 697253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jumpingjacks: I did. It took about 9.5 months of easy stretches and light ab work to finally feel it starting to get back together (swimming and water aerobics are fantastic if you have access to a pool!). DS is almost 16 months and it's totally healed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697173 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:30:32 +0000 yoursilverlining 697173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladyfingers: what JoJoGirl said; do a sort of crunch. You can also feel the separation if you have it; while mid crunch put your fingers on the middle of your abs. If you can feel a width/"break" where you can press your fingers into that space, that's it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697163 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:28:00 +0000 yoursilverlining 697163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have this, had a c-section and a pp width of almost 3 fingers. My OB told me to take it very easy on ab exercises until I was 1 year pp. I do situps, but I do them on a ball so they are lower stress on my abs/back. Honestly, it just sucks. I hate living with flabby belly; but I don't want to hurt myself either. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697155 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:24:50 +0000 JoJoGirl 697155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladyfingers: lie on your back with your feet flat and knees up. Then lift your head/shoulders off the ground like you're doing a crunch. Do you see part of your belly 'pop' up in the middle (like along your linea negra)? If so, you likely have it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-697123 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:04:11 +0000 ladyfingers 697123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Silly question but how do you know if you have this? I'm only 9 wks pp but I still look 5 months pregnant and have my linea negra... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-696630 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:13:55 +0000 JoJoGirl 696630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah it's a bummer :-( they measure it in finger widths and 3-4 won't heal by itself. It WILL go away eventually with PT so hang in there. No crunches for you - wait til you meet with the physio! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-696625 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:11:01 +0000 Jumpingjacks 696625@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I'm nearly 11 weeks pp and it's worse because I had a c section. My midwife said the gap between my left and right abs is pretty wide. I' m calling a physio on Monday. I'm just so bummed about it because I still look like I have a baby bump! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-696617 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:04:53 +0000 JoJoGirl 696617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only 33 weeks but I know I already have this. How many months pp are you? My midwife said most people's will heal by 6-8 weeks. If its worse than that, you can get a prescription for physical therapy to learn TVA strengthening exercises, or there are some videos online! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-dealing-with-a-separated-abdomen-diastasis-post-partum#post-696615 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:02:19 +0000 Jumpingjacks 696615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am and it sucks! What kind of exercises did you do to tighten your abs, did you get some other form of help? </p>