Abdominal wall

The abdominal wall remains soft and relatively poorly toned for many weeks after the birth, but it gradually becomes stronger over time. The extent of return to the muscular tone of the pre-pregnant abdomen depends greatly on the amount of exercise the woman takes as she returns to full fitness. For rural women, who work in the fields as well as in and around the home, the problem can be putting too much strain on their abdominal muscles (for example to lift heavy weights) too soon after the birth.