Postpartum Abdominal Separation: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Solutions

Question
Hello,

I just delivered my second baby in June (9 lbs 10 oz my first was 8 lbs 11 oz)and I have noticed that I have this semi-hard bulge in my abdomen area that won't go down even if I put on one of those tight girdles. I definitely have the baby fat, but this hard bulge just above my belly botton is different. With my first child my stomach went down fairly quick and I didn't have this kind of hard bulge with him. I'm not sure what it is but I know I still look very pregnant. I've been reading on the internet about abdominal separation. Does this sound like my case and please can you tell me what I can do about it because surgery is not an option for me and I am only 25 so I don't want to keep walking around looking pregnant.

Thanks,
Victoria

Answer
Dear Victoria

It is hard to make a proper diagnosis in your case without examination. However, This is probably a case of either an abdominal hernia or separation of the recti muscle which is not uncommon after abdominal surgery.

It is best to consult a general surgeon to advise whether conservative managemsnt is possible or surgery is a must.

Good Luck