The weight you gain during pregnancy and the stretched appearance of your skin do not go away immediately after you give birth. Instead of deflating like a balloon letting air out, your post-baby belly slowly shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy appearance. You can help this process along by eating healthy foods and exercising.
Significance
Your belly grows during pregnancy to support your growing uterus and the baby inside it. Hormones produced during pregnancy trigger the uterus to grow--the same hormones trigger the uterus to shrink. Your body's cells swelled during pregnancy to grow, and your post-baby hormones trigger the cells to begin releasing the fluids within, according to Baby Center. For this reason, it may take more than four weeks for your uterus and cells to return to normal. In the meantime, your post-baby belly will appear flabby and weak.
Identification
One of the causes of belly fat after pregnancy, which contributes to weight loss difficulty, is diastasis recti, according to Lisa Stone, a pre- and postnatal fitness instructor writing for SheKnows Pregnancy and Baby. This condition occurs when the abdominal muscles separate from the stomach during pregnancy. Identify the condition by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and lift your head and shoulders up as if you are performing an abdominal crunch. Place one hand below the navel and press on the abdomen. If you feel a soft space where the muscle has split, then you have diastasis recti.
Solution
Even if you have experienced diastasis recti, you can perform abdominal strengthening exercises that build the muscles back up--such as pelvic tilts. In addition to rebuilding the muscles, engage in cardiovascular exercises that eliminate the layers of fat on the abdomen. Walking, swimming, biking or taking a postpartum exercise class can all help. Nutrition is vital as well. Avoiding sugar and fats in favor of lean proteins and fresh produce can help you feel full while consuming less calories.
Considerations
In addition to diet and exercise, breastfeeding may help increase the hormone production that signals the uterus to return to its normal shape, according to Baby Center. Breastfeeding also burns extra calories each day, which can result in accelerated fat loss.
Warning
While you are likely eager to begin losing belly fat after having a baby, it's important to start your weight loss program slowly. Because of changes to your body, your strength will not be at the level it was prior to giving birth. Before engaging in an exercise program, get your doctor's approval. If you are experiencing diastasis recti, avoid exercises that challenge this stomach muscle separation, such as tennis or other activities requiring a forward crossover rotation, according to Julie Tupler, R.N., a contributor to The Cradle.
