As your baby grows during pregnancy, your abdominal muscles stretch, weakening your core region. The separation should naturally decrease over the first eight weeks after delivery and may continue to reduce for six to twelve months after birth.
Exercising these muscles helps to regain your core strength and protect your spine and pelvis. One exercise you can do to help is this: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently draw in your lower stomach in below your belly button with a breath out. Remember to keep your back straight and breathe as normal.
Research has shown that time is the key indicator of abdominal separation and it is recommended that you wait until your six week postnatal check before increasing your intensity level. It is important to check with your doctor, midwife or continents professional before returning to exercise.
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