Mother’s Apron Belly After Pregnancy – Causes and Remedies

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body and life, often lasting even after childbirth. Weight gain, postpartum depression, and sleepless nights are certain issues that a woman may have to deal with post-childbirth. You know what we are discussing if you’ve recently given birth to a wonderful angel. No doubt, you adore your baby and love the way your body has changed after pregnancy, but there are certain changes that most new moms can do without. Apron belly after pregnancy, for instance! If you have noticed excessive fat or tissue hanging down your belly, chances are you have an apron belly.

Read on to know what is an apron belly and how to get rid of it!

What Is an Apron Belly?

Apron belly, also known as mother’s apron tummy or pannus stomach, occurs when the belly and the fat surrounding the internal organs expand owing to weight gain or pregnancy. Apron belly in pregnant women occurs due to the excess fat deposited in the omentum. The omentum is a flap under the abdominal muscles and in the front of the intestines where the fat deposits. Apron belly can hang from the abdomen to the top of the pubic area, upper thighs, or even the knees. The main reasons for apron belly are pregnancy and weight gain. However, it is not just common in new mothers or overweight women; men who have lost a lot of weight may develop an apron belly, too.

What Are the Risks of Apron Belly Fat?

Fat lying below the skin that can be grabbed with hands is subcutaneous fat. In the belly, this fat builds up in the spaces between and around the viscera ( internal organs like the stomach and intestines). It is called visceral fat and generates toxins that affect the way the body functions. It is tucked away inside the body and does not give an indication of how healthy the body is. You may now be overweight but this kind of fat could cause inflammation, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other heart ailments in future.

How to Reduce Apron Belly?

Apron belly fat is metabolically active and may take a while to eliminate fat deposits. There is no one-stop treatment to get rid of apron belly, as it is more of an overall health priority than just cosmetic value. It is, therefore, important to focus on losing the fat with general wellness in mind. Sensible dietary techniques and a strict exercise regime will help in weight reduction. In exceptional circumstances, surgical or non-surgical options may be needed. Read on to know the methods a little more in detail.

1. Weight Loss By Diet Control

Incorporating dietary changes will have a direct effect on your apron belly fat. Creating a calorific diet is your answer to reducing the apron belly.

• Make dietary changes: Changes to your diet can help you lose visceral fat and eventually subcutaneous fat. By including whole-foods in your diet that comprise of fresh fruits, vegetables, lentils, whole grains and protein-rich foods, you can reduce calorie intake. Having oats and low-fat yoghurt for lunch and baked or boiled food for lunch made in olive oil will give the required nutrition and keep a check on calories.
• Eliminate extra calories: Stay away from sugary food, refined grains, and soda drinks that contain excess calories and zero nutrients. Keep a food diary to monitor your daily intake of calorie-rich food.
• Invest in a health-inspired cookbook: You may not have considered this, but by investing in a few cookbooks that have healthy recipes in it, can help reduce your apron belly fat and eating a healthy diet.

2. Exercise

Apron belly exercises can reduce fat deposits and reduce the risk of several health ailments associated with excess weight. If you are trying to reduce your apron belly with exercise, here are a few exercises that would help you:

1. Planks: Planks are a bit difficult until you master them. This exercise involves getting down on all fours on the ground, stretching your legs all the way back with feet pointed down. Forearms must be under the chest. Breathe in before you begin. Lift your body up off the ground, ensuring it is parallel to the ground. Distribute your weight evenly between the toes and feet and stay in that position for 30 seconds. Repeat for as many times as you can. This exercise works the ab and stomach muscles.
2. Lunge Twist: Stand with your feet hip-distance away from each other. Lunge the right foot forward such that the right knee is above the right foot and bent at a 90-degree angle. The left leg is at its position and stretched out. Keep your back straight, hands on your waist, and hold the position for 10 seconds. Return to normal position. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times for each leg.
3. Crunches: Start by lying down on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Breathe and put your hands behind your head. Lift your upper body about 30 degrees above. Hold this pose for about 3 seconds. Do this 10 to 20 times every day.

3. Surgical and Non-Surgical Ways to Get Rid of an Apron Pregnancy Belly

Exercise and diet can help in losing weight and fat. But, excess skin will still remain, and this can be removed using surgical and non-surgical options.

1. Laser or cool sculpting procedures: Lasers help to get rid of belly fat, not just apron belly but in other parts of the body, too. They are non-surgical procedures that are not appropriate if you are breastfeeding, suffer from obesity or have any other medical conditions.
2. Panniculectomy: A surgical procedure, panniculectomy can be combined with a tummy tuck to get rid of extra skin and fat. A panniculectomy does not tighten the abdominal muscles by removing extra skin and fat for a flatter abdominal area like a tummy tuck. Since this is a surgical procedure, it involves meeting some health standards.

Some Helpful Tips for Dealing With Apron Belly

An apron stomach before and after birth is not uncommon for people, and it could be a major cause of emotional turmoil than physical stress. There are ways to deal with the physical aspect, and it is important to accept your body the way it is once you have developed the condition. It will equip you with the mental strength to deal with the issue. Here are some tips that can help you do that.

1. Maintaining Hygiene With Belly Apron

• Reducing moisture and dampness: Anytime there is skin-to-skin contact because of excess fat, the areas surrounding it will be subject to excess moisture and sweat. The skin will get irritable, and it is important to keep the stomach apron clean. Heat rashes, skin ulcers and skin tags can occur due to dampness in the area. Let the skin dry naturally.
• Use a shower head or hand-held shower head: While bathing, a showerhead or hand-held shower can be useful to clean under the folds. A hand-held shower can help to get rid of the dirt that is stuck in the folds.
• Coconut Oil: Skin-to-skin contact can create a lot of rashes and itching in the area. Coconut oil is anti-fungal and a natural antiseptic. It can be applied to soothe the rashes under the apron belly.
• Prevent skin irritation: Keep the skin under the belly apron clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or fungal infections. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to cleanse the area, and thoroughly dry it after bathing to reduce the risk of moisture-related skin issues.
• Reduce odour: Regularly inspect and clean the underside of the belly apron, as sweat and debris can accumulate there. Gently lift the apron and clean the hidden areas to ensure hygiene and prevent unpleasant odours or discomfort.

2. Clothing Tips for Women With Apron Belly Fat

It is difficult to find clothes in plus-size, but many manufacturers are now recognising the need and have created different fabrics that can be pulled and stretched to fit the body.

• Plus-size capri leggings, skater skirts, and full skirts: Plus size leggings that are loose on the legs with a wide waistband, long skirts and skater dresses are perfect for hiding the apron belly fat.
• Plus-size tunics, waist-less dresses, and plus-size empire dresses: Tunics can help cover belly fat. Waist-less dresses and empire dresses that flow can help hide the fat and look great, lending shape to the body.
• Plus-size briefs or high-rise knickers: High-rise knickers and plus-size knickers are good to cover the belly and act as tummy tuckers.

3. Dealing With Some Unusual Hindrances Caused By Apron Belly

Apron belly pregnancy does pose some unusual hindrances to people. It may affect daily routine tasks and activities, but these tips can help you find a way out:

• When driving – Use seatbelt extenders: Seat-belts are supposed to lay flat across the hips, but with belly fat, it does not go very far. An extender guarantees safety when you drive.
• For back problems and sagging skin – Use a support band: Sagging skin, especially in the abdomen area, can lead to drooping and back problems because of carrying additional weight in the frontal area of the body. Get a support band to support the abdominal area. It won’t just conceal the belly fat, but will also prevent sagging and help with back problems.

If you have an apron belly, don’t worry about it. It is not impossible to get rid of the apron belly. The most important step is finding the right solution to help with the discomfort and building your confidence. You can follow the abovementioned remedies and consult a doctor to overrule potential health issues and for expert guidance.

References/Resources:

1. Vu. C. T, Elder. D. H; Pregnancy and the Working Interventional Radiologist; Semin Intervent Radiol.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3835582/; December 2013

2. Sachs. A, Campos. M. S, Murray. J; Panniculectomy; StatPearls; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499822/

3. Taking aim at belly fat; Havard Health Publishing; https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/taking-aim-at-belly-fat; April 2021

4. Hruby. A, Hu. F. B;  The Epidemiology of Obesity: A Big Picture; Springer Link; https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs40273-014-0243-x; December 2014

5. Cox. C. E; Role of physical activity for weight loss and weight maintenance; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556592/; August 2017

6. Health effects of overweight and obesity; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html

Also Read:

Wearing a Belly Wrap After Delivery
Home Remedies To Reduce Your Belly After Delivery
Effective Tips to Lose FUPA (Fat Upper Pubic Area)

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