My dd (my second baby!) is almost 12 weeks old and I'm wondering how long it takes for the abdominal muscles to heal if they've split during pregnancy. I don't know that mine have, but I'm assuming they did just to be safe. I'm so anxious to take a bellydancing class and resume pilates, though!

Well, you can't really just "assume" that they have split. My babies were all over 9 and over 10 pounds...and I have never had the muscles "split". Also, every woman heals from childbirth at a slightly different rate-so it is really up to your doctor to clear you for exercise of any type.

Aphil

Congratulations Aphil, that’s so exciting! I figured something happened this weekend because we hadn’t heard from you. Did you have a c-section? How are baby and mom doing?

Congratulations Aphil! Let us know the details when you feel up to it!

Congratulations Aphil. Can't wait to hear the details.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but Congrats Aphil!

And GypsyDancer, your muscles are not likely to split during pregnancy. They just stretch, like the rest of your body does. The only thing that would negatively impact your abdominal muscles would be a c-section. And even at that, 12 weeks is the figure I was always given for resuming abdominal exercises, so you should probably be fine with your bellydancing.

Congrats! Give us all the details.....such a wonderful event.

I suggest you check with your health care provider on such matters and of course listen to your body!

Congrats again!

Liz

Thanks, and congrats, Aphil! I actually did ask at my 6 week postpartum checkup if they had split only to be told she wouldn't be able to tell (I guess too much fat tissue over the abdominal muscles?). She did clear me for exercise, but I'd just rather be safe than sorry.