Around 70% of pregnant women worry they won’t get their pre-pregnancy body back. Yet just as many do manage to return to their ideal weight within a year — and, more importantly, learn to embrace their feminine curves. That said, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned, especially when it comes to getting a flat stomach back. Because yes, pregnancy and the postpartum period often go hand in hand with a soft, flabby and bloated belly. Here are some key explanations and practical tips to help you regain a flatter stomach after pregnancy.
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Pregnancy weight gain
The weight gain during pregnancy is primarily due to the growth of the foetus, but also to the weight of the placenta (around 0.5 kg), the umbilical cord, the membranes and the amniotic fluid (around 1 kg). Add to this the increase in breast volume (0.5 kg) and the uterus (1 kg), blood volume (1–1.5 kg), water retention (2 kg) and fat reserves (2–3 kg) needed for breast milk production. It is therefore perfectly normal to gain weight during pregnancy, and this weight tends to concentrate particularly around the stomach. It goes without saying that this area of the expectant mother’s body changes significantly in appearance.
Why does the stomach remain soft and bloated after giving birth?
Many expectant mothers imagine they’ll have a perfectly flat stomach the moment they give birth. But they’re often disappointed to find that isn’t the case once the birth is over. The expectation of a flat, firm stomach, identical to the one they had before pregnancy, is of course unrealistic.
Yes, it’s a fact — pregnancy leaves its mark, and the stomach doesn’t return to its original shape straight after delivery. In most cases, it remains flabby and bloated. This physical change is entirely normal:- The uterus, which expanded along with the growing foetus, has been stretched and displaced. It will take several weeks to return to its original size.
- In around one third of cases, pregnant women experience diastasis recti. The stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy is a normal phenomenon. But in some women, the wall cannot accommodate the expansion of the uterus. This results in an excessive separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, which pull apart — this is diastasis. It causes a more protruding, less firm belly, and skin that tends to sag.
- The hormonal changes characteristic of pregnancy cause a relaxation of both striated muscles (abdominal) and smooth muscles (uterine, visceral), to allow the foetus to grow properly. However, this phenomenon has physical consequences, starting with a loosening of the abdominal core muscles. As a result, after giving birth, the stomach retains a relaxed appearance.
- The loose skin on the postpartum belly has a simple explanation. The dermis is partly made up of elastic fibres, which give the skin its suppleness and resilience. These fibres are strong and, in principle, retractile. But pregnancy places a constant and growing tension on the skin of the stomach for 9 months. As a result, the elastic network may give way (the phenomenon of pregnancy stretch marks) or become overstretched — not breaking, but losing its elasticity and ability to retract. The skin therefore becomes soft and flabby, and tends to sag.
- The volume of the stomach is also due to the increase in fat reserves during pregnancy. And much to our regret, no — giving birth does not automatically trigger the “release” of these subcutaneous fats!
What about C-sections?
The bloated belly after pregnancy is even more pronounced in women who have had a C-section. Most retain a small pouch just above their scar. A C-section, which involves an incision through the abdominal wall and uterus, has multiple effects on:
- Abdominal tone — the pushing involved in a vaginal birth and contractions engage the abdominal and uterine muscles. A C-section does not…
- Organ positioning — organs take longer to return to their proper place. This results in digestive and transit issues that contribute to a bloated appearance.
- Pelvic floor and abdominal rehabilitation, as well as the return to physical activity to rebuild muscle, which happen much later.
In addition, the anaesthesia associated with a C-section can cause bloating, intestinal discomfort and constipation. If you’re naturally sensitive in that area, the dream of a flat stomach can quickly feel out of reach…
What are the best ways to get a flat stomach after pregnancy?
1 – A few preliminary recommendations
It’s completely understandable to feel unsettled seeing your belly still swollen after giving birth. But this is a normal and entirely harmless phenomenon. So, first piece of advice (and probably the most important one): give yourself time. There’s no point putting pressure on yourself — you’ve just been through 9 months of pregnancy and the ordeal of childbirth. It will likely take just as long to get a flat stomach back. Focus first on your own wellbeing and that of your baby — the rest will come naturally. And don’t even think about throwing yourself into intense physical activity just days after giving birth: your body has been through enormous changes and needs rest. Take it easy, at your own pace!
2 – The question of breastfeeding
It’s a fact — breastfeeding requires energy: a breastfeeding mother burns more calories (around 500 kcal on average) than a mother who doesn’t breastfeed. That said, weight loss isn’t guaranteed, especially if the diet is rich. Moreover, breastfeeding doesn’t automatically mean a flat stomach: it may help you lose the extra weight more quickly, but it won’t improve the muscle tone of your abdominal core or the quality of your skin. And as you know, when you lose weight, you can’t always choose where from… So understand that breastfeeding may well give you a helping hand in shedding those extra kilos faster, but it won’t guarantee you’ll get your pre-pregnancy figure back.
3 – The support belt: a debated accessory
This is an accessory that divides opinion. The support belt (or belly band) is a kind of elasticated fabric wrap that helps to slim the silhouette by holding in the soft postpartum belly. It can be very useful in cases of back pain following pregnancy. With muscle tone being low, the belt helps keep the lumbar region in place and reduces the risk of hyperlordosis. It can be a real lifesaver on tiring days, for example when standing for long periods.
However, the medical community is not entirely in favour of its systematic use. Some doctors argue that there is no need to wear a support belt to regain muscle tone and, ultimately, a flat stomach. Simply going about daily life as a new mother would naturally help muscles and abdominal organs return to their proper place. The belt could weaken muscles and tissues already strained by pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, according to some studies, wearing a support belt may increase the risk of uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence, as it exerts intra-abdominal pressure pushing muscles and organs downwards.
4 – Which sports help lose belly fat after pregnancy?
Exercise after pregnancy helps you recover faster, shed excess weight and regain a flat stomach. It also significantly reduces the risk of prolapse, organ descent, pain (back, pelvis, hips) and incontinence. That said, after giving birth, a new mother needs time to rebuild her strength and stamina. It is also not advisable to consider any sporting activity without first completing pelvic floor rehabilitation — even after a C-section.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation helps to tone the muscles of the pelvic floor, of which the perineum is a part. Its role: to close the lower part of the pelvis and keep the organs in place. It also supports the abdominal cavity. It is therefore impossible to think about getting a flat stomach after pregnancy without going through pelvic floor (and possibly abdominal) rehabilitation sessions. These can begin between 6 and 8 weeks after delivery, following a visit to the gynaecologist. The only physical activity recommended before this rehabilitation is gentle walking (strolls with the pram and baby).
After that, you can gradually ease back into sport. Gentle activities are recommended:
- Yoga, Pilates, and hypopressive gymnastics (excellent for getting a flat stomach).
- Water sports, such as swimming or aqua aerobics.
- Cycling, which gently engages the abdominal core, and brisk walking — one of the most complete forms of exercise.
5 – No dieting in the postpartum period
Although many new mothers are tempted to drastically cut their food intake to get a flat stomach, going on a diet after pregnancy is strongly discouraged. Life as a new mother is extremely demanding and energy-intensive. Deprive yourself of a balanced diet, and exhaustion will quickly take over. After pregnancy, it is essential to pay attention to your nutrition to avoid deficiencies, maintain your energy levels and reach a healthy weight. To get a flat stomach after pregnancy:
- Eat plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables.
- Continue with dairy products, opting for low-fat varieties.
- Eat lean proteins to restore iron levels and rebuild abdominal muscle mass.
- Include complex carbohydrates with a low GI for sustained energy.
- Stay well hydrated, primarily with water. This is even more important if you’re breastfeeding (2 to 3 litres per day).
- Avoid empty calories and ultra-processed foods, such as sweets, snacks, ready meals and salty foods…
How to firm up the skin on your stomach after pregnancy?
The skin on the stomach takes a real toll during pregnancy. As a result, it can leave the belly looking soft and flabby in the postpartum period. You may also notice cellulite on the stomach after pregnancy. But don’t panic — we have the solution!
The Cellublue Post-Pregnancy Routine
If you want to regain a toned stomach and firmer skin, we’ve created a dedicated pack containing all the right products to help you get there.
- Slimming Belly Belt: helps firm up the skin through its continuous cold action, which helps stimulate the metabolism to eliminate fat cells
- Slimming Device: targets abdominal fat. The vibrations emitted spread across the skin through a rebound effect to help disperse and eliminate fatty deposits
- Cryo Belly Slimming Gel: inspired by cryotherapy, this cosmetic treatment helps burn fat and firm the skin of the stomach through the power of cold
- Fat-Burning Capsules: support the breakdown of fats and toxins stored in the body
- Night Slimming Cream : works overnight to target belly fat and keep skin hydrated
If you also want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your stomach, we recommend applying our Anti-Stretch Mark Cream, which helps regenerate the skin, improve its elasticity and accelerate the skin’s healing process.
In the case of a C-section, during the first few days (15–20 days), the scar is highly inflamed. It should be closely monitored by a midwife, who will assess the healing process. Once the scar is fully closed, it is beneficial to massage it daily to improve its appearance. This massage will also help tone the skin of the stomach. You can then apply our healing anti-stretch mark cream in the morning, and our anti-stretch mark plant oil in the evening.