c-section = Stomach muscles forever lost? Quick ?

jgengo0 · February 2011

I have a quick question I was hoping someone could answer for me. I thought this would be a good place to ask!

I will most likely be having a c-section with my twins. My sister constantly tries to inform me that if I go ahead with the c-section my stomach muscles will never be tight again. That once they cut them they will forever be loose. She had both her children vaginally so I am not sure where she is getting her "100% accurate information. " I am sure my stomach will never look the same way it did before becoming pregnant, but am I doomed to have a saggy gut forever?

TIA!

margeincharge2 · February 2011

I can't counter your sister from experience because I still have my pooch. But I haven't really done anything to get rid of it either. And those pesky 10 lbs I need to lose aren't helping. I think once I get back to my happy weight it will be not much different than before.

But I don't think c/s = flabby stomach forever. I think it can be more challenging to get a flatter tummy but I don't think it's impossible. But what is your sister trying to accomplish by telling you this? I would imagine you'll only have the c/s if you have to so what good does it do you now? Also, the real sad truth is that your boobs are likely never going to be the same again either. I think they've been destroyed more by my DS than my stomach.

MAprincess · February 2011

I got my flat stomach back after my CS;-) It took a little longer than I think it would have with a vaginal birth just because I had to recover longer, but it was fine. Back in a bikini and everything! I got it back after my VBAC also.

Just FYI- I think it has lots to do with genetics, how old you are, how many children you have, etc. But you are not "doomed" to anything:-)

iris427 · February 2011

Your ab muscles don't get cut during a c/s. They get moved to the sides. Some moms have a diastasis recti after the surgery, which is when the stomach muscles don't come back together and there is a gap between them. But this happens to a lot of moms who have vaginal deliveries too--it's a common occurrence after a pregnancy and it can be fixed by special exercises.

So no, you are not doomed

jgengo0 · February 2011

margeincharge2:
I can't counter your sister from experience because I still have my pooch. But I haven't really done anything to get rid of it either. And those pesky 10 lbs I need to lose aren't helping. I think once I get back to my happy weight it will be not much different than before.

But I don't think c/s = flabby stomach forever. I think it can be more challenging to get a flatter tummy but I don't think it's impossible. But what is your sister trying to accomplish by telling you this? I would imagine you'll only have the c/s if you have to so what good does it do you now? Also, the real sad truth is that your boobs are likely never going to be the same again either. I think they've been destroyed more by my DS than my stomach.

I don't know what she is trying to accomplish! It is really starting to annoy me, which is why I needed some factual information I definitely would never opt for a c-section. If baby A is head down I can try for a vaginal birth, however, there is a chance they may not be able to maneuver baby b if she is still transverse. This happened to a friend of mine and she ended up delivering vaginally as well as delivering via c-section...I really do not want to go through that. Not to mention putting that stress on baby b....she thinks no matter what I should try. I just want to do what is most healthy for BOTH of them.

jgengo0 · February 2011

MAprincess:
I got my flat stomach back after my CS;-) It took a little longer than I think it would have with a vaginal birth just because I had to recover longer, but it was fine. Back in a bikini and everything! I got it back after my VBAC also.

Just FYI- I think it has lots to do with genetics, how old you are, how many children you have, etc. But you are not "doomed" to anything:-)

That is wonderful news to hear! Thank you so much!

jgengo0 · February 2011

iris427:
Your ab muscles don't get cut during a c/s. They get moved to the sides. Some moms have a diastasis recti after the surgery, which is when the stomach muscles don't come back together and there is a gap between them. But this happens to a lot of moms who have vaginal deliveries too--it's a common occurrence after a pregnancy and it can be fixed by special exercises.
So no, you are not doomed

Thanks so much for the information! Now I can give her a factual comeback haha. I feel much better!

HikerBride07 · February 2011

I found it harder to work my lower abs and my belly was never as flat as before (used to be almost concave) but I did get my upper abs back pretty easily. I got pregnant again when DD was a year old so maybe if I'd had more time to work out the lower belly would have tightened up more. I did have some throbbing at my scar when I would work my abs or when I'd run more than 5 miles or so.

Harper'smom · February 2011

I'm pretty certain I recall my O.B. stating that it was pregnancy itself not the C-section that separated the muscles. I also, in a cloud of morphine (so take this FWIW), remember her saying something to the effect of "I sewed your stomach muscles back together". If that is true then I guess a vaginal birther wouldn't have this "benefit".

Strawberrywine · February 2011

Honestly I'm headed for my 3rd c/s and I have really had to push myself to get back my stomach each time. It's very challenging to do abs after a c/s surgery, but possible. After the 2nd I have had trouble losing the pooch and that weird flab line above and below the incision, but it doesn't really matter that much after you have children. Your perspective changes a bit.

The incision is below the bikini, so the weird bump is hidden if you do get back in your teeny bikini.

mommymoore2011 · February 2011

As a fellow sister of a sister I'll tell you this, sometimes I say things to my sister that I later realize may not have as much truth in it as it has my own personal wishes for her as a basis. Honestly, what's best for the babies is most important, and I would explore ALL options before even talking to your sister.

fall-love · February 2011

I've had a cesarean and a vbac... honestly, my body bounced back pretty quickly both times... I was in a bikini in Hawaii when DS1 was 6 months old, and I'll be in one again next month in Palm Springs when DS2 is 5 months. One thing I've noticed this time around is that my SKIN on my belly is not as taut as it was even after my first son was born... but with good posture and standing up straight, my belly is actually really flat.

The c-sect really has nothing to do with it... it's the pregnancy. As a PP stated, they do not cut your muscles in a section, they separate them along the fibers.

ShangriLaRose · February 2011

Hey sweetheart! Funny running into you, here! ;-) I had a c/s w/ DS, and was able to get my stomach mostly flat... and then I got pregnant again. lmao. But also... I know plenty of other girls who've had to have c-sec... and they were able to flatten back out, no problem. It just took a little time, and lots of working out/healthy eating.

Fear not. Personally... I hate my stretch marks more than I hated that little pooch I had... because the pooch wasn't that big to begin with... the marks? Much more noticeable, and they won't go away! =( lol. Don't let your sister scare you! See you back on the June board! ;-)

Rach21 · February 2011

I had my DS 4 months ago via C/S. I carried him very low to begin with, so when I had him, I had a very noticeable pooch where my scar is. TAKE YOUR TIME before you get back into your ab routines. I started working out my arms while recovering from my C/S but I also tried to do exercises like the plank, side plank, and single-leg lunges before the doc gave me the go-ahead (which was totally a crazy, vanity thing and I was pretty stinkin' lucky I didn't hurt anything). I've never had recurring pain where my scar is, but I have a numbing sensation which may or may not go away. I especially feel the numbing sensation when I do exercises that work my transverse abs.

Each mom is different. Some can have a C/S and never look like they even had a kid, others of us will just be a little more creative on how we hide our pooches.

Loving the snot out of your LO is what matters in the end!

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