This Sunday, the whole family went to Nate's gymnastics class exhibition at the Beer Garden. I love going there since it's one of the few places that's both family friendly and serves alcohol. Beautiful weather, nice friends, I was having a lovely time. Plus, I thought I looked pretty good. I'd had my nails done a couple days before. I'd taken a shower, blowed out my hair, and put on make-up (all rather rare occurrences). Wearing a navy maxi dress with gold flip flops, I was having a perfectly pleasant conversation with a local dad I know from the playground. Then he looked at me and said, "You guys are expecting another? Congrats!"
My mood completely dropped. We are not expecting another. I just sort of shook my head and Willa thankfully ran off at that point, so I had a good excuse to leave. Why would you ask that question unless you were certain? Particularly when the person you're asking has an alcoholic beverage in their hand. Sadly, several people have asked me in recent months. And the fact is, I don't blame them for wondering. I am back down to the same weight I was literally in highschool, but I am still sporting a first trimester-type bump. Though not a gym goer, I am very active and walk all the time. I thought that this annoying pouch was just some lingering baby weight that would work itself out and then I discovered that there could be another explanation.
Diastasis Recti. Commonly defined as a gap of roughly 2.7 cm or greater between the two sides of the abdominal muscles, this condition happens in 35-62% of postpartum women. It can be diagnosed by lying down on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. You then lift up your head and see how many fingers you can place in between your abdominal muscles. If it's more than two fingers, then you may have this issue. Here's a good video which shows a self diagnosis test:
Risk factors include:
1. excessive weight gain during pregnancy
2. older maternal age (over 35)
3. multiple pregnancies
4. close successive pregnancies (within one year)
5. pregnancies with multiples
Treatment depends on the severity of the separation. For mild diastasis recti, most doctors would probably just recommend physical therapy or some specialized exercises (as discussed in the video above). Contrary to what you might think, crunches or certain yoga poses can actually increase the separation. For more severe cases, surgery can correct the condition. Diastasis recti can increase your chances of a hernia or incontinence, so if you think your postpartum pouch is more than just a bit of excess weight you should discuss it with your doctor.
I think surgery would be too much in my instance since it's mostly just a vanity issue. My doctor told me to make an appointment with her and says she would recommend physical therapy for it.
If you do have this problem, know that you are in good company. Last October, actress Jennifer Garner went on the Ellen Degeneres' Show to confirm that she did have a baby bump but not because she was pregnant. I find it comforting that even beautiful celebrities experience mommy tummy and the annoyingly inappropriate question that comes along with it.
Sources:
http://www.mamalionstrong.com/diastasis-recti-questions-answers/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diastasis-recti/AN02153
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/abdominal-separation-diastasis-recti
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diastasis_recti
http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/07/30/jennifer-garner-pregnant-fourth-child-ben-affleck/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyCIfhOFewQ
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