Ask An Expert: I didn’t Tie My Tummy After Birth & It’s Getting Bigger. What Simple Exercises Can Help?

Our team of seasoned experts answer all your questions on pregnancy, delivery, children and women’s health, sexuality education and more.

Q: I’m a mum to a 1 year 6 months old baby. After giving birth, my stomach became so big, and I think it’s growing bigger. In my culture, we tie our stomachs after birth for at least a year but I only tied mine for three months because the belt was so painful. I believe my tummy is still big because I didn’t tie my stomach for as long as I ought to. Is there anything I can do for my tummy to go back to normal? What simple exercises really help? Kindly advise.

Christine Wild (Midwife, Nutritionist, Fitness Expert) says:

Exercises really help. It’s no problem that you didn’t tie your stomach long enough. You can still make up by doing sit-ups, going for walks, jogging or swimming. Start your gym with a warm-up always. If you know another mum with similar goals, you can do your exercises together for motivation. Please endeavour to exercise regularly. The initial stage will be quite difficult, however, do not give up!

Start with a warm up for 10 minutes, running slowly on the spot. Move your arms from the thigh to your shoulders or beside your body. After that, lie down on the floor and do some situps suitable for postpartum, like the bicycle crunches. You could do this 100 times for example. It’s good when your muscles burn like fire. Be careful not to move your legs fast because it’s not so good for your stomach muscles. Do this slowly but seriously. Then, you can relax your body and breathe slowly in and out.

Regular exercise is important.

Q: I’m 42 years old. About a month ago, I started experiencing frequent urinary leakage. I know this is not normal and quite embarrassing. Please, what is the way out?

Dr. Alex Kaoranu Molukwu (OB/GYN) says:

I appreciate your gynaecological problem. This is the involuntary leakage (incontinence) of small quantities of urine through an intact urethra and bladder under the stimulus of increased intra-abdominal pressure which may occur with the individual in any position while turning, laughing, sneezing, jumping and dancing.

It is estimated that 50 percent of women of all ages have at least slight stress incontinence. Because of ignorance and embarrassment, people are unwilling to discuss this. Although it is not life threatening, it can drastically affect the quality of life.

There are several cases of urinary incontinence which may be classified as genuine stress incontinence, bladder muscle instability, overflow incontinence, congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract, abnormal holes in the urinary tract (fistulae). In some patients, no organic problem can be identified.

Multiparity, genital prolapsed, menopausal atrophy, previous pelvic surgery may all predispose an individual to urinary incontinence. Abdominal mass may also be a contributory factor. It is known that certain nervous disorders may lead to this distressing problem. The use of certain drugs, epidural anaesthesia, inflammation of the urinary tract, vulva and vagina often lead to this disorder. Urinary incontinence presents not only a medical problem but also a social and economic one. Its specialized and specific management will save time, money and needless distress.

Please see your gynaecologist for an accurate diagnosis to be made.