A loose belly after giving birth is a concern shared by many women. But don’t worry — with a little patience, suitable exercises, a balanced diet and targeted skincare, it is possible to help your skin regain some of its firmness. Discover why your belly may look crepey after pregnancy, how long it may take to recover and our tips for gently firming it up!
Why do you get a loose belly after giving birth?
Pregnancy comes with physical changes we could sometimes do without. It is perfectly natural to wonder why the belly becomes loose after giving birth and how to regain a firmer-looking belly. So, why does the belly lose its firmness after childbirth — and what can you do about it?
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy triggers significant hormonal fluctuations. These changes can affect the firmness and elasticity of the skin, leading to that loose, crepey appearance after pregnancy.
Lack of postnatal exercise
A lack of physical activity after giving birth can also contribute to a soft belly. Adopting a suitable postnatal exercise routine is key to helping tone the abdominal muscles back up. Always consult your doctor before getting started.
Rapid changes in weight
A rapid change in weight after giving birth can also make a loose belly look more noticeable, as the skin, having lost some of its support, may take time to regain its original suppleness.
The natural repair process
The body also naturally begins a process of repair and recovery after giving birth. Every body is unique: it reacts and recovers in its own way. A little patience is therefore needed to feel like yourself again.
The good news is that there are plenty of solutions and tips to help you achieve a firmer, more toned belly after giving birth. We’re sharing them all just below 😉
When will my belly go back to normal?
The question “when will my belly go back to normal?” is extremely common — and completely understandable after having a baby. Everyone wants to get their pre-pregnancy body back quickly and shed the weight gained during pregnancy.
It is important to understand that getting back to normal varies greatly from one woman to the next. There is no universal timeline. The postnatal recovery period is generally estimated at around 6 weeks after giving birth, but it can take longer. Some specialists even suggest that a full return to normal may take up to a year. It is therefore best to be patient.
How can you tighten the skin on your belly?
When dealing with a crepey belly after pregnancy, there is no single solution: the idea is to combine several everyday habits. Gradually returning to physical activity, with your doctor’s approval, using targeted skincare such as a firming cream for the belly and following a balanced diet can all complement one another as you care for your skin after giving birth. Here is how to approach it, step by step.
Getting back to physical activity
Targeted exercises can help firm the appearance of the belly by gradually strengthening the abdominal muscles in this area.
Exercise will help strengthen your body, improve your stamina — and it will also boost your mood and energy levels, which is especially important during this period of change and adjustment. It also helps reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
We recommend waiting for your doctor’s clearance before resuming any physical activity.
Start gently with light exercises such as walking or swimming before progressing to more intensive workouts. Exercises such as hypopressive abdominals are particularly recommended for tightening the belly skin and achieving a flatter stomach after childbirth, as they engage the deep muscles without putting pressure on the pelvic floor.
Using a firming cream and targeted skincare
It is common to have stretch marks and scars on the belly after pregnancy, as the skin has been stretched in this area. To care for these marks and the appearance of your skin, you can incorporate specific, targeted skincare products into your routine.
Our Stretch Mark Repair Programme, made up of a stretch mark cream and its ultra-concentrated booster, is a natural way to care for your skin.
The cream and booster duo for established stretch marks
- Stretch Mark Cream morning and evening: three plant oils and a velvet texture that nourishes and soothes
- Elasticity Booster: a few drops of ultra-concentrated aloe vera, to be mixed with a dollop of cream
- The same routine as usual, with an added concentrate, on the tummy, hips, thighs and bust
- The Repairing Stretch Mark Cream combines three plant oils (macadamia, sunflower and coconut) in a velvety texture that nourishes and soothes the skin.
- The Elasticity Booster, made with ultra-concentrated aloe vera, is added a few drops at a time to a dollop of cream. It complements the action of the stretch mark cream.
Pair this Duo with our Firming Cream, which hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling firmer to the touch. Kigeline and Fenugreek seeds, two plant-based actives, are at the heart of its formula.
The body cream that hydrates and helps firm the skin
- Kigeline & Fenugreek, two plant-based actives at the heart of the formula
- Hydrates the skin and helps strengthen its firmness on targeted areas
- Melting texture: it absorbs quickly, with no residue or greasy film
Adopting a balanced diet to nourish the skin from within
Choose a varied diet that provides proteins, vitamins and minerals, so you can look after yourself every day and establish good habits after giving birth.
Proteins
Protein is one of the essential nutrients in a balanced diet. Vary your protein sources, such as fish, lean meat, eggs and legumes, which can easily be included in your meals and help you bring more variety to your plate throughout the week.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins, particularly vitamin C, are nutrients worth including in your diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as berries, are excellent sources. Minerals such as zinc, found in meat, seeds and seafood, also have an important place in a varied diet. Try to add a range of colours to your plate at every meal.
Hydration
Water remains the go-to drink for everyday hydration. Keeping a water bottle close by can help you drink more regularly. You can also apply a moisturising product if your skin feels tight or looks dry. Remember to drink enough water throughout the day.
Healthy fats
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, nuts and flaxseeds, are a useful addition to your meals and can add variety to your diet. They are among the types of quality fats worth including when you are rebalancing your diet.
Avoid processed foods
It is also wise to avoid — or at least limit — processed foods and foods high in sugar, and to choose more unprocessed ingredients to improve the quality of your diet.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Related articles
- Post-Pregnancy Belly Cellulite: What to Do
- Soft stomach: causes and 3 natural approaches
- Itchy belly during pregnancy: what should you do?
Useful categories: Slimming the Belly.
