All new moms encounter the problem of loose skin after a pregnancy. This happens because during pregnancy, the skin has stretched out to nearly its maximum limit. After delivery it hangs in folds around the stomach and can be quite disconcerting for the first time mother. Do not fret, it is reversible. All it takes to tighten the loose skin after a pregnancy is– a healthy diet and a daily exercise routine. This is the only cure for loose skin after pregnancy.
The diet for tightening the loose skin after a pregnancy should include a lot of green vegetables with a high fiber content, whole grain and lean meats. Avoid packaged snacks with preservatives and stick to natural foods like fruits and nuts.
Drink a lot of water, at least 65 to 70 oz. a day. This will help keep your skin and body hydrated. Have a glass of water each time you feed your baby; this will help you keep track of the water intake and also establish a sort of routine for you.
Exercise can do you a world of good when trying to get off those extra pounds you gained during pregnancy. Abdominal exercises will help tighten the loose skin around your stomach. If you have had a cesarean, consult your doctor before starting any kind of strenuous workout.
You can start your regimen with about 30 minutes of aerobic workout. Start out slow and work up to an hour each day. The best time to exercise is when the baby is sleeping. This will burn calories and fat and tone your muscles while tightening the skin. Remember to consult your physician if you experience any pain or dizziness or if there is excessive bleeding.
Perform muscle strengthening exercises like crunches, in addition to this aerobic activity. Start with a few crunches, gradually moving up as your abdominal muscles strengthen. Try some reverse crunches as well to strengthen your back muscles. You can then try some light weight training, using dumbbells for squats. In a week, aim for about 3 to 4 days of weight training.
If it is possible, join a yoga class that has been specially designed for new mothers and their babies.
Strictly avoid crash dieting. This will only make your body store extra fat and add to your problems.
Remember, not to overdo it. There is no quick fix to this problem. This process takes time, often several months and it cannot be rushed. Your body has experienced some pretty drastic changes and will take time to recover.
Submitted by N on October 14, 2011 at 02:26
While childbirth can be exciting and satisfying, leaving you enjoying the precious moments with your baby, it does take a toll on your body and appearance. Often, women begin to wonder whether they will ever get their pre-pregnancy bodies back. You may also wonder how to tighten the loose skin after pregnancy. While it is not impossible to fix the loose skin after pregnancy, you need to realize that it is quite normal as your skin has stretched itself to give shape and space to your baby, and once the baby has been delivered, the skin gets loosened as weight loss has been sudden. In due time, the skin will tighten, though it may never be the same as it used to be unless you get surgery or take up an intensive exercise regimen. Read more on skin changes during pregnancy
There are many methods to tighten loose skin after pregnancy by following certain exercises and diet. However, always consult your doctor about which methods to use and when to start using them to ensure that you are not harming yourself. Some of the popular methods include using skin tightening creams and undergoing cosmetic surgeries, but there are side effects. The safer methods to get rid of loose skin after pregnancy include exercising, body wraps, exfoliating, and other herbal remedies. Here are some of the safer, home remedies that you can use; however, as mentioned earlier, always consult a doctor first.
Submitted by N on February 10, 2011 at 12:22