We’ve been talking a lot about apron belly here. And while I want all of you mamas to feel comfortable in being yourself and how you look, I want to make sure you know of the dangers an apron belly can pose in the long term.
I am not talking about having no apron belly, then getting pregnant and having one that is growing smaller by the day with your good habits. I’m urging any of you who have had one for a while and feel like you don’t know how to get rid of it to put a little pep in your step.
Read: How to hide apron belly?
You want to be there for your baby and watch them grow. You want to see all those milestones. Those first steps. That first day of school. Graduations, birthday parties, and all the beautiful moments in life.
A prolonged apron belly, though, can pose serious health risks. If you don’t do something now, you may miss out on those special moments while your child has to grow up and go on without you.
It’s sobering, I know, and I don’t want you to feel bad. I want you to feel empowered. I want you to take control of your life right now by taking care of your health. You are so important and loved…do not let this hold you back. You do not have to look perfect, but you do need to be healthy. Having an apron belly for a long time is not a healthy situation.
What are the risks with an apron belly?
Having an apron belly increases your risk for certain cancers. Primarily ovarian cancer.
Also, it has been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Generally, when you have an apron belly, you also have excess belly fat. Extra fat in this area is hazardous because it can surround those essential internal organs.
It is the most problematic type of fat out there, one that has shown in studies that you will be at greater risk for these kinds of health problems, including sudden death.
In addition, you will have to be extra careful when it comes to maintaining hygiene in that specific area.
So please, do not feel ashamed. Do not feel like this is an attack on you or how you look. But do take action because your health and vitality are at stake here, and I want you to enjoy these precious moments with your baby alive and well!
What you can do to get rid of apron belly
Now, if you want to be healthy and reduce your risk of death or disease by carrying an apron belly around all the time, the first thing you must do is change the way you eat.
You need to eat nutritious and wholesome foods. I know it is hard to give up stuff you love, but instead of just changing overnight, start making some swaps each week. Aim to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits and cook more at home. It’s cheaper anyway!
Also, get exercise. It can lift your mood too. And I know it’s hard with a baby around, but take that little critter, put her in a stroller, and go for a walk around your neighborhood or local park.
If bad weather has you trapped inside, get up and dance. Hold baby in a carrier and dance gently…a simple step-touch move will get you going. That’s what you want…the movement. By eating right and getting daily exercise, you’re going to help restore your health.
Eating healthy foods and exercising will get rid of the apron belly. You cannot spot treat your stomach or any part of your body. You must work on overall weight reduction.
However, if you are losing weight and becoming healthy but still have some extra leftover skin, you can use surgical and nonsurgical methods to restore your body.
For nonsurgical, there are laser treatments and cool sculpting procedures. These are unsafe while breastfeeding if you are obese or have certain pre-existing conditions. You should speak to your doctor about these options to see if they may be right for you.
Surgery is also an option with a panniculectomy. This doesn’t tighten your abs like a tummy tuck, though you can combine it with a tummy tuck to get the whole package. As you must meet certain health standards to be a candidate for this kind of surgery, this is another one to speak to your doctor about.
You definitely have options here but please, forget about perfection. Instead, think about your health. Stop getting hung up on embarrassment or feeling like it will take forever. No, it won’t!
Get rid of the negative attitude and remember to love yourself…your baby loves you, and your family does too, and they all need you here. Start by taking small steps towards these goals today, and soon, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come in putting your health back on track. I have faith in you!
Leslie Berry lives with her husband and two young daughters in Los Altos, California, where she loves helping other moms get comfortable with motherhood and embracing the insanity with facts peppered with laughs.
She loves eating too much sushi, exercising, and jamming out on her Fender. Read more about Leslie here.
