Pregnancy is the most joyous and exciting moment for any women in her life. Just as pregnancy prepares for the new forthcoming changes, it brings a lot of changes in the body of the woman. Many changes are unfurled after pregnancy is completed and are commonly experienced by new mothers. Hanging belly after pregnancy is one of the most common problems that many women experience these days. The belly of women usually looks hanging and larger, post-delivery as compared to their pre-pregnancy phase and women wish to get rid of the hanging belly.
While some women may choose to accept hanging belly, many women desire to keep their body in shape like their pre-pregnancy period. Although this is not very easy, nor does it occur instantly, many women are able to get rid of the hanging belly with proper guidance and lifestyle management techniques. There are numerous ways where advice is available, but understanding one’s own individual requirements and planning a healthy routine to get rid of hanging belly after pregnancy is important.
Causes of Hanging Belly after Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the baby grows in size gradually and the uterus needs sufficient space to accommodate the growing baby in abdomen. This causes the uterus to enlarge, which results in stretching of abdominal muscles. Expansion of uterus during pregnancy makes the belly skin loose, which causes hanging belly after pregnancy. Another cause of hanging belly is the excessive stretching of the abdominal skin. Presence of elastin maintains elasticity of the skin when it stretches during pregnancy. However, these elastin fibres get damaged due to continuous stretching of skin during entire pregnancy period and causes hanging belly after pregnancy.
Other contributing cause of hanging belly after pregnancy is the expansion of abdomen, due to accumulation of fat in the abdominal region. Post-delivery, weight loss can be achieved, but the accumulated fat may take time to go and it can appear as hanging belly.
Ways to Get Rid of Hanging Belly after Pregnancy
Post-delivery, hormonal changes begin as the phase of new motherhood takes action. This results in shrinking of the uterus and reduction in belly size, which may continue for initial few months. Active breast feeding, additionally helps to reduce accumulated fat. Women may lose weight and abdominal fat at different rates as many factors play a role in this process.
However, in order to get rid of hanging belly after pregnancy, it is necessary that women incorporate a healthy lifestyle during and after pregnancy. Breast feeding is a crucial period and diet and activity during this period can help to maintain good health in addition to getting rid of the hanging belly. Some tips that women can follow include:
Breastfeed to Get Rid of Hanging Belly after Pregnancy
Breastfeeding is the best activity for the new mothers as it not only keeps you mentally strong but also helps to lose weight in a natural way. Breast feeding moms are known to be more active, emotionally calmer and better able to manage weight. Getting rid of hanging belly after pregnancy can be easier with breastfeeding as it release hormones that help the uterus to shrink quickly.
Remain Active to Get Rid of Hanging Belly
Getting active and involving in healthy exercise routine is the best way to say fit after pregnancy. Begin slowly and choose the most convenient forms of exercise. Walking is the best to begin with and taking baby for a stroll can be a great idea. Other aerobic exercises can be opted depending on the pre-pregnancy health condition of the woman. Exercises that involve the whole body can also help to get rid of hanging belly. Full body exercises, yoga, Pilates or water exercises can be planned into the daily routine.
Women who have had a difficult child birth or those who have medical problems, maybe advised rest for some period, but some forms of exercise should still work. It is best to consult physician or a trainer to plan appropriate exercises to get rid of the hanging belly after pregnancy.
Performing Kegel’s Exercises Can Help Get Rid of Hanging Belly
Kegel’s exercises are the best companion for women during the post-delivery phase. To perform this exercise, lie on the back, with knees bent and feet touching the floor. Place arms by the sides on the floor. Contract the pelvic floor as if trying to hold urine and then release. Repeat this few times in a day. This exercise can also be performed by raising your one leg slightly off the floor.
Lose Weight to Lose Hanging Belly After Pregnancy
Just as hanging belly is also due to accumulated fat, it is best to focus on maintaining ideal body weight during post pregnancy period. As time passes post-delivery, health improves and it becomes easier to exercise to lose weight and involve in physical activities. Women who are overweight need to focus on weight loss goals and work towards it. Aerobics workout that helps to manage extra calories and exercises of the core work on the abdominal fat and help to get rid of the hanging belly.
Watch your Diet to Get Rid of Hanging Belly after Pregnancy
Eating a healthy diet regularly can promote healthy weight loss and also work on the hanging belly after pregnancy. While breast feeding mothers need adequate nutrition, most of must be obtained through vegetables, fruits as snacks and your daily meals must comprise lean protein, low fat dairy products and whole grains. Use healthy fat like olive oil for cooking your food rather than butter or vegetable oil. Include fluids and make sure water intake is maintained. It may be advisable to consult a dietician to plan a healthy, weight loss diet such that it meets your breast feeding requirements but keeps a check on your weight and hanging belly fat.
Getting rid from the hanging belly after pregnancy is not easy and simple task. It is important to focus on strengthening abdominal muscles, maintaining health and losing hanging belly. If all these tricks don’t help some women to reduce hanging belly after pregnancy then cosmetic surgery option may be considered to get rid of hanging belly, in some cases.
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