Expert: Helene Byrne - 9/7/2007

Question
Hi there.  I had a dnc procedure around May 23rd. It has been over 3 months now and my stomach still looks like I am pregnant.  When I had the procedure, my baby was almost 3 months but I looked like I was 5 months pregnant.  About a year prior to the dnc, I had another dnc due to another miscarriage. But that procedure was done after the tissues of my baby had already come out naturally.  It was done coupled with another surgical procedure to remove a dermoid cyst.  However, after that procedure, my stomach was completely flattened.  Could it be that my stomach is not returning to it's normal size quickly because I did not let the baby come out naturally this time? Will I get my flat stomach back?  Will having 2 pregnancy's with dnc within 1 year and a few months hinder that from happening?  How can I get fit in my abdomen/stomach area?  Thanks.  Hope I don't sound vain, but I don't want to go out shopping for new clothes.  My clothes size has changed in the waist because of this.  Thanks again. S

Answer
The shape of your abdomen could be caused by several things.

You could be bloated and carrying extra fluids and/or have digetive problems. Cut out all junk foods, and sugary foods, especially those contaiining sorbitol which is found in many candies. Improve your gut health be eating yogurt with active yeast cultures, and five servings of fresh fruit every day, this will help you empty your bowels.

As to your abdominal muscles, strengthen your deepest abdominal layer, your Transverse Abdominis. This is your body's internal "girdle" and is responsible for flattening the abdominal wall. For full details on how to receondition your abdominal wall after pregnancy visit my web site——www(dot)befitmom.com——and select Reconditioning After Pregnancy. There's also a discription of a Transverse Abdominis exercise listed under Strength and Core Conditioning During Pregnancy.