How can I tighten my saggy mom belly?

Effective strategies to loosen your saggy mom belly involve safe core exercises, eating a healthy diet, and drinking enough water. It’s important to check with your doctor before you engage in any exercise routine.

How long does mom pooch last?

It depends on the person. On average, it takes six to eight weeks for your uterus to get back to its initial size. Still, for some moms, this process may take much longer. This is why switching to healthier dieting choices and safe physical activities can help with this process.

Why am I getting a mom pooch?

Your abs are made up of left and right ab muscles and linea alba (a thin band of connective tissue) in between. These muscles are pushed outward and stretched to make room for the growing baby. Once the baby is delivered, the muscles can come back together. However, sometimes they become overstretched and do not fully return together. This leads to abdominal separation, which is when the left and right sides of the abdominals are separated.

Can mommy pooch disappear?

Mommy pooch can disappear on its own. Of course, it depends on the anatomy of every mother. The amount of time it takes to heal a saggy belly is reliant on the amount of ab separation and how consistent you are with strengthening exercises. After several weeks of postpartum, this gap will usually start to close because your muscles become stronger. With a healthier lifestyle and performing exercises, you’ll notice progress faster.

Blog Editorial team Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH

Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH

PhD in medicine from Harvard Medical School, Chair at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stamford Health

A graduate of Harvard Medical School and a chair at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stamford Health, Dr. Siobhan Dolan is committed to improving outcomes for pregnant people. She encourages innovation and supports equity in all aspects of her work. Dr. Dolan also aspires to transform the healthcare system to improve outcomes for those with genetic conditions.

Experience

Chair at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stamford Health
Professor and System Vice Chair for Genetics and Genomics at Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai
System Vice Chair for Research and Director, Division of Genetics and Genomics at Mount Sinai Health System
Vice Chair, Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health
Obstetrician Gynecologist and Clinical Geneticist at Montefiore Health System
Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine