How to Get Rid of Hanging Belly After Pregnancy

Loose abdominal muscles, extra skin, fat and a relaxed pelvic girdle all help create the hanging belly look after pregnancy. You can get that pre-pregnancy body back -- albeit with some battle-wounds -- but it is going to take time and effort. Just giving birth alone helped you shed about 10 pounds.

Depending on your pregnancy weight gain, those 10 pounds may not even make a dent in your postpartum belly. Learn how to tighten that pelvic girdle and burn calories to start seeing a difference.

Involve your baby in your aerobic exercise. Start slow -- even a one mile walk can help you burn 100 calories. Take the baby for a walk in the stroller everyday. When you are feeling more fit and confident, you can try a jogging stroller and pick up your pace and distance.

Target your loose core with pilates or yoga. Start with pelvic tilts and add exercises as tolerated.

Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and feet planted. Inhale and lift your pelvis towards the ceiling slowly as you exhale. Keep your upper back and shoulders touching the floor throughout the exercise; only your pelvis should be moving. Return to the starting position and repeat 3 sets of 15 repetitions as tolerated.

Eat your vegetables, fruit, nonfat dairy products and lean proteins. Do not starve yourself or skip meals, especially if you are breastfeeding. Skipping meals can actually cause you to hold onto that baby belly because your metabolism will slow down.

Breastfeed your baby if you are not already. Breastfeeding moms lose weight quicker than their bottle-feeding counterparts. Your uterus will contract and shrink to its original size fast due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. You will also get to enjoy an extra 500 calories a day just to support breastmilk production.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping your body hydrated can help with your skin elasticity, weight loss and general health after child birth. Aim for at least eight, 8 ounce glasses a day, and even more if you are breastfeeding.

Tips

Talk to you doctor before resuming an exercise program, especially if you have had a C-section.

Warnings

Increased vaginal bleeding or pain may signify your body is not ready for physical activity yet. Take it easy for a few days and talk to your doctor before resuming exercise.

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