Gemma Atkinson, 38, shows off her 'swollen tummy' as she reveals she has lost 12lbs in just two weeks after giving birth to her baby son
Gemma Atkinson has given her fans a post-natal body update two weeks after giving birth to her son Thiago.
The former soap star, 38, took to Instagram on Monday where she showed off her 'swollen tummy' in a video.
Gemma revealed that she has lost 12lbs in weight in the 14 days since giving birth, and noted that she has 'two stone to go.'
The radio host uploaded a clip of herself barefoot, wearing low-slung jogging bottoms and a grey tank top, which she lifted up to show off her stomach.
Gemma filmed herself in a full-length mirror as she proudly paraded her midriff from all angles, and explained how it's normal for tummies to stay swollen for longer after a caesarean section 'due to the inflammation and abdominal swelling from surgery'.
New mum: Gemma Atkinson, 38, took to Instagram on Monday where she showed off her 'swollen tummy' in a video, just two weeks after welcoming son Thiago via C-section
Update: Gemma also revealed that she has lost 12lb in weight in the 14 days since giving birth, and noted that she has 'two stone to go'
Angles: The radio host uploaded a clip of herself, wearing low-slung jogging bottoms and a grey tank top, which she lifted up to show off her stomach
Gemma wrote a lengthy caption, beginning: '2 weeks post C section. Breast pads ✔️ Industrial size sanitary pad ✔️ Swollen tummy ✔️All the things postpartum we go through.'
She then detailed how life has been for the past fortnight, including tips for other new mums, and her health plans for the future.
Gemma penned: 'It's very common for tummy's to stay swollen after pregnancy and they usually stay swollen longer after a C section due to the inflammation and abdominal swelling from surgery. So don't worry if you feel you still look pregnant as I do here. ITS NORMAL!
'I'm not expecting to look like my old self for months down the line yet. I haven't even left the house other than pottering about in the garden.
'I've been mindful to rest as much as I can to aid recovery down the line. Weather permitting, towards the end of this week I'm going to start some short walks.
'Until I've had my mummy MOT that's all the exercise I'll be doing. What I've been focusing on instead is trying to make myself feel like my old self, and so far it's worked.
'Despite broken sleep for 2 weeks I feel really good. Upbeat, and ready to take on the day. The simple things I've been doing are…
'Cold showers. No ice bath yet so I've stood under cold water every morning for a minute letting it run on my pituitary gland (aim water on back of the neck) It's responsible for regulating so many functions in the body and essentially kick starts your system in the morning. It works a treat for boosting your mood.
Update: Gemma filmed herself and explained how it's normal for tummie to stay swollen for longer after C sections 'due to the inflammation and abdominal swelling from surgery'.
So sweet: Gemma gave birth to her second child, baby son Thiago, 14 days ago via caesarean section
'Secondly, my nutrition. I'm 12lb down since coming home from hospital. 2 stone to go yet. With my hormones slowly settling and the cravings for crap which I had in pregnancy going I'm back to eating my usual foods.
'I'm snacking a lot as anyone will tell you breast feeding makes you hungry and we need the extra calories to feed. I've been snacking on things like nuts, fage yogurt, fruit, boiled eggs and dark chocolate. In pregnancy it was bread and haribo.
'Lastly, and this is where it gets cheesy, but affirmations! Every morning I've told myself 'I can do this' every night feed I've reminded myself 'thousands of women are now doing the exact same as me right now' and every time I look at Thiago I thank my body for growing, carrying and birthing him.
'15 days ago he was in my tummy and that blows my mind completely. The miracle of life and the human body.'
Gemma and her fiancé Gorka Marquez, 32, are also proud parents to daughter Mia, three, who they welcomed in 2019 - two years after meeting and falling in love on Strictly Come Dancing.
Last year, Gemma revealed they'd postponed their wedding due to both of their busy schedules - after saying she'd rather try for another baby than plan lavish nuptials.
Divulging it all: Gemma wrote a lengthy caption detailing how life has been for the past fortnight, including tips for other new mums, and her health plans for the future
