Abdominal Muscle Separation

I was hoping to see some responses also. I have 2 kids, the youngest is 10 mos and I also have this problem (also had 2 c-sections). It's been very difficult to get my abs back in shape. I don't think a fingertip separation is so bad though, and not sure if it's likely to close up with exercise?? Maybe someone else knows more and can help us shape up! You'd think all the work we do with the kid(s) would keep us fit. :-) Good luck!

I too have this problem and was told and since have heard that no amount of exercise will fix this. I was told that a plastic surgeon can surgically close these muscles that tore through carrying babies. However, that being said, cardio and toning help the appearance absolutely!!! But, fix these torn muscles it cannot. Good luck.

Hi M.
Yes I have them separated also and when you bend over it doesn't look so great.It looks a bit prune like.No matter how much exercise you do it won't change that unless you have surgery.
My son is 18yrs old now and I have a 6yr old girl.As much as it bothers me I can't bring myself, to put my life at risk over a procedure that could alter not only mine but my kids lie.But in no way am I judgmental to anyone who chooses to do so.Because in an age where we are so obsessed with looks it's easy to get caught up in the hype.I admit to feeling undesirable at times because of it but.I remind myself that these are just my battle scars and everyone has their own.Enjoy your baby they all grow so fast.

Roni707

I haven't had it diagnosed, but my son is 2 yrs old (today!) and once in a while, I'll get a cramping feeling in my upper abdomen when I'm doing sit-ups, or sometimes when I'm just bending over to pick something up - almost feels like a charlie horse. I'm curious if this is the same sensation others who have been diagnosed are getting?

I have the same problem and empathize with all of you! I have two kids and the gap has never closed - no matter how much Pilates, Yoga, sit-ups, etc. I do. I work out regularly and my muscles feel as strong as ever, but I still have the loose-looking belly and it is very upsetting. It must be genetic - all the women on my mom's side have the same "pooch" even though they are otherwise tiny women. In the old days, they just ran around in girdles. Now people get tummy tucks. I would love to do this, but I just can't justify the risk or expense - nor would I feel comfortable explaining it to my daughter when she is a teenager and having her own body issues.
I struggle each day to accept my changed body - but I just keep reminding myself that life is too short to fixate on something so inconsequential, and I am so lucky my husband and kids love me as I am. Be happy that your husband adores you and enjoy your beautiful baby and wonderful life!

Hi M.,
I have this too. I have had 3 kids. Sometimes I notice that my stomach looks larger than it should and it doesn't have very good tone anymore. But, I do exercise more now ( I found it harder to exercise when my kids were smaller) and I found that exercising helps. The doctor didn't give me specific exercises to do. But, I think exercising in general helps. I think when I had extra weight on it was more noticeable too. I do know of people who later on decide to have surgery. I'm not really interested in doing that at this time........I think it takes a while to recover from it too......hope this helps

Hi M.,

i had this also, after my first son. I had done a lot of yoga and was surprised that this gap stayed the same, even after he was over a year old. I then started the old-fashioned sit-ups. Three sets of 12 each day. I included that into my usual, more "modern and gentle" yoga routine, which is strenuous, but didn't include abdominals with such a long pull, i mean, from the floor all the way to the knees, when lying on my back with the legs propped up, bent at knee, feet flat. The gap closed completely within 2 or 3 months (i think). To my big surprise it didn't open again with my second child, which is now 7 months.

Good luck!
D.