5 Exercises You Need To Get That Pre-Baby Body Back!

A woman's body is truly remarkable. From the earliest days of conception to after we have our new baby in our arms, our bodies undergo amazing changes each day.
Once we have our wee little bub in our arms, our bodies must undergo a much deserved period of healing and recovery. This is one of the reasons why most health practitioners recommend that women wait at least six weeks after they give birth to start working out.
One condition that many women find they are left with after this waiting period is called "diastasis recti" or "Diastasis Recti Abdominis" (DRA). This is a condition where the two sides of your rectus abdominis (also known as your six-pack muscles) are separated along a woman's linea alba.
DRA is incredibly common. In fact, a study from 2016 (link: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/17/1092.full) found that 45 percent of women six months postpartum and 33 percent 12 months postpartum had DRA – but that doesn't mean that it should be ignored.
Why DRA should be addressed
The primary concern women have when dealing with DRA is the "mummy tummy" or "mummy pouch" it can leave us with. DRA can cause women to continue to look as if they are expecting well after the birth of their baby.
But appearances should be the least of a woman's concern. There are other consequences that can impact a woman's health, including:
- Chronic back pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Incontinence
- Lie on your back and bend your knees while keeping your feet flat on the floor
- Place your fingertips across your midline at the navel and horizontal to your waist
- Rest your other hand behind your head and lift your head while gently pressing your fingertips downward
- Forward planks
- Crunches
- Twisting moves