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How Do I Know if I Have Torn Abdominal Muscles?

I have 2 kids - ages 4 and 2, both delivered via c-section. After 2 pregnancies, my belly is never the same, although I've always had a little pooch - I can't tell if I have a torn abdominal muscle. No matter how much I exercise and do ab work, I still couldn't get the old belly back (not necessarily flat but not protruding at least). . . Been thinking about getting a tummy tuck but I want to gather as much information as I can before making a decision. . . Thank you.

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exercise resistant muscle separation after pregnancy

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by TravelingCat in New Hampshire

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (4)

Muscle separation is not the same as muscle tearing.

Thank you for your question. During pregnancy the enlargement of the uterus and the gain in intraabdominal weight leads to stretching of the connective tissues that surround the abdominal wall muscles. The connective tissue stretches but often does not come back after childbearing leaving the abdominal wall loose. The muscles are usually just fine. This separation of the muscles, particularly in the midline is called diastasis rectus. Some doctors mistakenly... more

Overstretched abdominal fascia leading to an abdominal bulge

The resting tone of the abdomen is due to the quality of the anterior rectus fascia. This is an investing fascia that wraps around the rectus abdominis muscles. These are the two paired muscles that make up the so called 6 pack. Think of these muscles like sausages wrapped in a fascia. During a pregnancy the fascia can stretch and can separate the muscles in the midline, this is known as a diastasis recti. Unfortunately this fascia has no elastic qualities of its own... more

Abdominal muscles torn

During pregnancy, and as we age, the muscles of the abdominal wall can lose their tone, elasticity, and overall integrity. Obviously, there are always things that can be done to strengthen the abdominal wall and delay the onset of this loss. When a muscle is torn, it is usually a traumatic event that causes pain in a specific location. So, unless you've sustained an injury, it is unlikely that your muscles are torn. Your muscles can, however be distended and weak due to the mentioned factors... more

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Abdominal tearing?

After two pregnancies, your muscles are not torn but the connective tissues have spread and weakened. This is called a diastasis rectus. It is repaired during the abdominoplasty and will minimize the protrusion. Caesarean sections contribute to this problem. The best way to gather information is to see a plastic surgeon for a comprehensive examination and a recommendation.

Abdominal wall laxity after pregnancy is not due to problems with the abdominal muscles.

There is nothing wrong with the abdominal muscles a woman with abdominal wall laxity after pregnancy. The fascia (connective tissue) is stretched and can be repaired within abdominoplasty. The muscles are left alone.

Rectus Muscle Separation

If you have rectus muscle separation or diastasis, a tummy tuck with plication of the muscles can significantly improve pooch.

How Do I Know if I Have Torn Abdominal Muscles?

With pregnancy, the abdominal wall problems are typically not "torn muscles" but rather separation of the rectus muscles, the two vertical muscles that run either side of the midline of the abdomen. If you lay on your back and begin a situp and see a vertical bulge, that is a finding of what we call "diastasis rectus" A visit to a plastic surgeon is a more reliable way of determining the status of your abdominal wall, and what can be done to improve it. When you ready... more

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Comments (4)

TravelingCat
5 months ago

Thank you doctors for all the helpful answers and for taking the time to answer my question.

shellerz
5 months ago

Cat, check out youtube vidos to test for yoursel. Search "diastasis recti", and you will see videos on how to guage the width of our ab split.

TravelingCat
5 months ago

Thanks shellerz! Will definitely check the videos out :)

TravelingCat
5 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question and for the advice. I really appreciate it!

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