Abdominal Separation in Pregnancy

Diastasis Recti / Abdominal Separation

Most pregnant women have heard women talk about their abdominal muscles splitting during pregnancy, this is called diastasis recti and here I am going to explain what causes it and why it is not something to worry about and how exercises can minimise and correct it following pregnancy. 

Causes

Pregnancy puts so much pressure on your abdominal muscles that sometimes they can’t keep their shape. The production of the hormone Relaxin plays a role in relaxing muscles and tissues. Diastasis means separation and Recti refers to your abdominal muscles called the rectus abdominis. It’s common for the muscles to separate during pregnancy as more space is created for the growing baby.

With diastasis recti your belly protrudes out because the space between your left and right abdominal muscles have widened. It is very common during pregnancy and having more than one baby makes this condition more likely especially if they are close in age.

However the muscles don’t always go back to their natural position after giving birth, leaving a gap along the front of your stomach. Left uncorrected this gap can create a rounding of your stomach but this separation can also cause weakening of the deeper muscles such as the core muscles and the pelvic floor muscles.

Treatment

Don’t strain. It makes the condition worse. Constipation and heavy lifting including lifting your toddler can cause strain on your abdomen. Standing up and sitting down also counts as heavy lifting as you are lifting your body weight so support is required.

Be careful with routine exercises inform your instructor about your abdominal muscles before any exercise as some exercises can make abdominal separation worse.

After your delivery you should have your doctor check how much abdominal muscle separation exists. This can be assessed using finger widths and can be assessed later to see if it is getting worse or improving.

Referral to a physiotherapist may be necessary as many women close the gap by learning and doing gentle exercises while supporting their abdominal muscles.

If it continues to be a problem you will need to be reassessed by your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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