how to get a flat stomach after having a baby

Healthy eating, postpartum exercise (when you feel ready and your provider says it's okay), and plenty of patience can help you lose postpartum weight, which may help your postpartum belly return to a less 'poofy' state.

If you had a c-section, your incision will take time to heal and fade – though many new moms find pride in embracing their c-section scar. The skin on your postpartum belly may change as well: Many women have a dark line down their abdomen, called a linea nigra, and a web of stretch marks on their stomach after birth, tiny scars caused by the skin's extensive stretching. It will also take time to establish an exercise routine again, as you recover from childbirth, restore your energy levels, and get used to your new role as parent. It takes six to eight weeks for your uterus to return to its normal size, but for some moms, it may take much longer for their post-pregnancy belly to return to 'normal.' For other new moms, they may find that their bellies take on a permanently different new appearance.Īfter you give birth, the extra fat your body stored to nourish your baby will start burning off, especially as you start easing into postpartum exercise, though it will take some time to notice results. In addition, the cells in your body that swelled during pregnancy begin to release their extra fluid, which is eliminated through urine, vaginal secretions, and sweat. The moment you give birth, hormonal changes cause your uterus to start contracting back to its pre-pregnancy state.

How to get a flat stomach after having a baby