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Abdominal
Separation
During pregnancy, hormones cause the center seam in the abdominal muscles
to soften and stretch as the baby grows and the abdomen expands. Sometimes
the seam stretches enough to separate the two halves of the abdominal
muscles. Abdominal separation can occur gradually throughout a pregnancy
or it can happen suddenly from exertion. The steps below will help you
check for muscle separation.
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Check
for abdominal separation weekly.
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- Lie on back
with knees bent and feet flat on floor.
- Put your
chin to your chest as you raise your head and shoulders about
6 inches off the floor.
- Hold one
arm in front of you.
- Use the other
hand to check for a gap
(usually during first few months of pregnancy or postpartum) or
a bulge (often present in third trimester) in the middle of the
abdomen.
- If you do
find any separation it is important to avoid further separation
by:
- Contracting
your abdominals when lifting to avoid abdominal bulging or
overstraining.
- Exhaling
as you lift your head to decrease abdominal pressure.
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Not all exercises or diets are
suitable for everyone. Before you begin this program, you should have
permission from your doctor to participate in vigorous exercise and change
of diet. If you feel discomfort or pain when you exercise, do not continue.
The instructions and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute
for medical counseling. The creators, producers, participants and distributors
of this site disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the exercise
and advice provided here.
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