Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Abdominal Muscles Did Not Retract Post Delivery, Bulge Between Sternum And Navel. Any Ideas?
I m a mother of 2 children ages 8 and 3. After my oldest was born, my abdominal muscles never fully went back together so, of course after a second child they re still separated. I m 26, very active (exercise 6 days a week) and am a healthy weight. I ve noticed a bulge between my abdominal muscles between my sternum and navel. It s about the size of a large grape, not painful but definitely tender, and sticks out more when I lean back. Any ideas?
posted on
Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Answered on
Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Many women would experience a separation of the abdominal muscles in the midline known as diastasis of the muscles. This is extremely common after pregnancy. In addition, some go on to have hernia formation in the midline which can be an epigastric hernia which commonly occurs in the region you have described. Therefore, you need to be evaluated by physical examination and with a couple of investigations to note if you have a hernia in addition to a diastasis. In case a hernia is present, it can be managed surgically and at the same time the abdominal muscles can be brought together in the midline and plicated to give you a firm abdomen in a surgical procedure known as abdominoplasty. Please consult a plastic surgeon for more details.
Many women would experience a separation of the abdominal muscles in the midline known as diastasis of the muscles. This is extremely common after pregnancy. In addition, some go on to have hernia formation in the midline which can be an epigastric hernia which commonly occurs in the region you have described. Therefore, you need to be evaluated by physical examination and with a couple of investigations to note if you have a hernia in addition to a diastasis. In case a hernia is present, it can be managed surgically and at the same time the abdominal muscles can be brought together in the midline and plicated to give you a firm abdomen in a surgical procedure known as abdominoplasty. Please consult a plastic surgeon for more details.
I find this answer helpful
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
The small lump of the size of grape that you have is likely to be due to a small lipoma in the area. It is a benign collection of fat cells and is not worrisome. A direct examination by a physician will help in confirmation of diagnosis.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
Regards,
Dr. Rakhi Tayal
drrakhitayal@gmail.com
Thanks for writing to us.
The small lump of the size of grape that you have is likely to be due to a small lipoma in the area. It is a benign collection of fat cells and is not worrisome. A direct examination by a physician will help in confirmation of diagnosis.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
Regards,
Dr. Rakhi Tayal
drrakhitayal@gmail.com
I find this answer helpful
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Abdominal exercise
Loading Online Doctors....