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2 Apr 2024

All You Need to Know About Diastasis Recti

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
All You Need to Know About Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti, commonly referred to as belly diastasis, is a condition that affects many pregnant women.
It occurs when the abdominal muscles separate due to the stretching and pressure exerted by the growing uterus during pregnancy.
What is Diastasis Recti?
  • Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (the "six-pack" muscles) along the midline of the abdomen. This separation creates a gap, causing the belly to bulge or protrude.
  • It commonly occurs during pregnancy but can also affect women who have recently given birth or experienced rapid weight gain.
What Causes Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy?
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones like relaxin can soften the connective tissues, including the abdominal muscles, making them more prone to separation.
  • Growing uterus: As the baby grows, the uterus expands and puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, leading to separation.
  • Poor abdominal muscle tone: Weak core muscles or a lack of proper abdominal muscle engagement during pregnancy can contribute to diastasis recti.
Signs and Symptoms of Diastasis Recti
  • A visible gap or bulge along the midline of the abdomen, especially when you contract your abdominal muscles or perform certain movements like sitting up from a lying position.
  • Lower back pain or pelvic instability due to the weakened abdominal muscles.
  • Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or discomfort.
  • Poor posture and difficulty maintaining proper alignment.
Managing Diastasis Recti
  • Consult a healthcare professional: If you suspect you have diastasis recti, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a pelvic health physiotherapist or certified postnatal fitness specialist, who can assess the severity of your condition and provide personalized guidance.
  • Avoid exercises that strain the abdominal muscles: During pregnancy and postpartum, avoid exercises that put excessive strain on the abdominal muscles, such as crunches, planks, or sit-ups. These movements can worsen the separation.
  • Engage in safe exercises: Focus on exercises that promote core strength and stability while avoiding movements that cause the belly to bulge or put strain on the midline, such as deep core exercises, pelvic floor exercises, modified abdominal exercises, and full-body strength training.
  • Practice proper posture: Maintaining good posture throughout the day, whether sitting, standing, or lifting, can help reduce strain on the abdominal muscles and support their healing.
  • Use supportive garments: Wearing a supportive belly band or compression garments during pregnancy and postpartum can provide some additional support to the abdominal muscles.
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T
Tara
5 Jun 2023

I’m afraid I’ve developed Diastasis recti. Does anyone have any advice on what to do? Should I call my doctor before my next ob appointment to confirm. I’m at 23 weeks and won’t see my dr until 26 weeks. Thank you in advance!

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
1 comments
K
Kirra
3 May 2023

Been having so much pain, saw my Dr yesterday and apparently I have diastasis recti 😭 my abdominal wall muscles are separating, and treatment can't start until after birth. I hope May 31st gets here fast!!!!

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
M
Melanie
Hope you feel better soon. I suffer from SPD and it's horrible! I can barely walk at times. It's hard to turn in bed. I'm being induced 5/15 and I can not wait!
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kirra
how do you manage? It's killing me literally
27 Mar 2024

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D
Danielle 🦦🪷
15 Dec 2022

I really think I’ve developed diastasis recti this pregnancy. Or after my last one and never got to fix it. I’ve got cone belly which is a sign of it. I can’t wait to heal my body once this little girl comes out.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
6 comments
B
Bry 😘
I thought the same thing about myself with my previous pregnancy. That’s why I’m hoping everything is fine during my attempted VBAC
27 Mar 2024

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D
Danielle 🦦🪷
I’m so scared with how much has changed with this pregnancy. Like I’m terrified that I’m going to birth my uterus cuz I’m having these kids so close together 🥴 but that’s just me thinking crazy
27 Mar 2024

Answer

B
Bellamy
10 Sep 2022

Anyone else’s belly coning?? Think I’ve developed diastasis recti while pregnant. My aunt warned me about it a few weeks ago but I’m pretty sure I had it before cause my abdomen has been hurting so bad lol. I made the mistake of sitting straight up out of bed 😭 I still catch myself doing it smh. Hopefully I can get it to heal after.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
F
Fin
What’s that exactly? My stomach looks like a cone when my daughter balls up
27 Mar 2024

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B
Bellamy
So basically when I cough or when I turn over while laying down my upper stomach tightens and it looks like this, it’s the separation of your abs I think is what it’s called. But it can happen naturally during pregnancy anyway
27 Mar 2024

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