Q. How can I flatten my stomach muscles after a baby? Sandra UK

A. During Pregnancy the two vertical muscles of the stomach (known as the rectus abdominus or six pack) separate and stretch apart, as the baby grows. This is diastasis recti and the gap can be at least three fingers width apart. This causes the bulging appearance. Firstly, before you begin any stomach exercises you need to check for the gap (including if you have had a caesarean).

1. Lie on the your back and bend your knees, feet flat on the floor.

2. Place the fingers of left hand, palm facing you, just above the belly button.

3. Lift head and shoulders off floor and breathe out.

4. The gap between the two edges of the muscles should be narrow and pinch fingers - if the gap is 2 fingers or more or if it doesn't pinch fingers, you have diastasis. You'll need to avoid regular sit ups or oblique curls if you have diastasis. Instead try pelvic tilts or Abdominal tighter see below:

1. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent fold/cross your hands over your stomach to support your abdominals

2. Breathe in, and then breathe out and raise your head to your chest. Gently 'pull' yoiur stomach muscles together and hold for a count of 2 then slowly lower your head to the floor.

3. Keep your belly button puled in towards your lower back. Imagine your hand is underneath your belly button and you are pulling it in towards you. Repeat 10 times.