Rock hard abs on a woman symbolize youth, sexuality and strength. The mere sight of them is enough to make a strong man weak in the knees. Janet Jackson went from curvy to ripped with the help of her trainer. Men – and women – drool at the sight of these stars' rock hard midsections. But you're probably saying to yourself, "How many pregnancies did Janet Jackson's abdominals go through?" Really. Does it look like those abs have ever recovered from diastasis?

Diastasis is when the vertical abdominal muscles of the abdominal wall separate, which many women experience during pregnancy. While the separation usually heals on its own over time, starting strenuous exercise before the diastasis has healed can actually exacerbate the problem.

While it might be your excuse for avoiding heavy-duty ab work in those early weeks following birth, let the truth be told: Rock hard abs aren't just for superstars and bodies unmarred by childbirth. With the right information, lots of determination and loads of sweat, a six-pack could be in your future.

After having a baby, a woman may feel that her stomach will never be flat again. But there are ways to tame the "baby place." According to John Spencer Ellis, author of How Badly Do You Want It? Your Guide to Optimal Fitness (Endurance Plus Publishing, 1998), the first step to toning the abdominal muscles after childbirth is to resume a moderate level of physical activity and keep the diet healthy.

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