5 exercises to get rid of the 'mommy pooch', as prescribed by doctors

Giving birth to a baby is an overwhelming, yet one of the most difficult things a woman has to go through. If the labour pain is not enough, women, after giving birth, also suffer from post pregnancy weight, fluctuating hormones, hair fall, mood swings, sleepless nights and more. A lot of times, women also suffer from post partum depression, that makes them feel insecure about their own body, especially if they have a 'mommy pooch' that is a bulging stomach after having a baby. Here are some doctor approved exercises that can help, though it is perfectly okay not to push your body and take all the time you need after giving birth..

Sit on the floor with your legs lifted off the ground and hands behind you for support. Keep your upper body still and slowly twist your lower body to one side, then back to center, and then to the other side. This exercise targets your obliques and helps tone your waistline.

Start on all fours, then extend your right leg and left arm straight out while keeping your core engaged. Return to start and switch sides. This exercise strengthens your core and back muscles without putting pressure on your abdomen, which is important after childbirth.

Lie on your back with your legs bent at 90 degrees and feet lifted. Slowly lower one foot toward the floor without arching your lower back, then lift it back up. Repeat on the other side. This move targets the lower abs and helps reduce the mom pooch.

Lie on your back with knees bent and a pillow or ball between your knees. Squeeze the pillow as you lift your hips off the floor into a bridge position, then lower back down. This strengthens your lower abs, glutes, and pelvic muscles, helping flatten your tummy.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Engage your core and pelvic floor muscles. Slowly lift your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your hips back down. Repeat 10-15 times. This exercise strengthens your lower abs, glutes, and lower back, which supports your core and helps flatten the lower belly area safely after pregnancy.