Why is my stomach still very big and the skin loose after a cesarean section, and what can I do about it?

Dec 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, a large and flabby abdomen after a cesarean section may be caused by factors such as abdominal muscle laxity, failure of the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state, fat deposition during pregnancy, increased visceral fat, or rectus abdominis diastasis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the guidance of a physician for appropriate treatment. Postpartum women are advised to adjust their diet and combine aerobic exercise with strength training, which can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and promote recovery.

Generally speaking, cesarean section refers to a surgical procedure known as a cesarean delivery. After a cesarean section, the abdomen may appear larger and feel flabby, which could be caused by abdominal muscle laxity, failure of the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state (uterine involution), fat accumulation during pregnancy, increased visceral fat, or diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles). Under a physician's guidance, general treatments and physical therapies can be adopted for management. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Abdominal Muscle Laxity

After cesarean delivery, abdominal muscles may become loose due to the surgical incision and pressure during the recovery of the uterus. Wearing a suitable abdominal support belt can provide some degree of support and aid in the recovery of the abdominal muscles.

2. Failure of Uterine Involution

After childbirth, the uterus requires time to return to its pre-pregnancy size and condition. If the uterus has not fully recovered, the abdomen may appear larger. Over time, the uterus will gradually return to its normal size. Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help accelerate this recovery process.

3. Fat Accumulation During Pregnancy

Due to increased nutritional intake and hormonal changes during pregnancy, subcutaneous fat tends to accumulate in the lower abdominal area. After cesarean delivery, if dietary habits are not adjusted promptly or physical activity is not increased, fat may accumulate in the abdominal area, making the abdomen appear larger. Adjusting dietary patterns and engaging in appropriate physical activities, such as walking or yoga, can help reduce abdominal fat.

4. Increased Visceral Fat

After cesarean delivery, an unbalanced diet and lack of physical activity may lead to fat accumulation around the abdominal organs, causing the abdomen to appear larger and flabby. Adjusting dietary habits combined with aerobic exercise and strength training, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, weightlifting, or yoga, can help burn fat and reduce excess fat stores.

5. Diastasis Recti

Factors such as cesarean delivery and increased fetal weight during pregnancy can cause separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti), resulting in abdominal laxity and bulging. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as a feeling of weakness in the abdomen, back pain, or difficulty with bowel movements. Under the guidance of a professional physical therapist, exercises aimed at closing the rectus abdominis muscles can help reduce abdominal muscle laxity.

It is recommended that postpartum women adjust their dietary patterns and combine aerobic exercise with strength training to strengthen abdominal muscles and promote recovery.

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What is a cesarean section?

In general, cesarean section refers to a type of surgery used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen. A cesarean delivery is a method of childbirth in which a physician surgically cuts through the abdominal wall and uterus to deliver the baby when the mother is unable to deliver vaginally. The procedure is typically performed in an operating room using either regional or general anesthesia.

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What is the minimum thickness of a scarred uterus that poses a risk?

Under normal circumstances, a scarred uterus is generally considered to be at a higher risk when the thinnest part is less than 3 mm. A scarred uterus refers to the formation of scar tissue beneath the muscular layer of the uterus following a cesarean section, which can significantly reduce the elasticity of the uterine muscle layer. The normal thickness of a scarred uterus is generally 3 mm or more. When the thinnest part of the scarred uterus is less than 3 mm, it is usually considered to be relatively dangerous.