It’s likely you have what’s called DIASTASIS RECTI and here’s what you need to know…
👉 Diastasis Recti is a normal part of pregnancy - as your baby grows your abdominal muscles and connective tissues stretch to allow for more room
For lots of mums, especially first pregnancy and those with smaller bumps, the separation reduces to around 2 cm with minimal depth by 8 weeks postpartum.
If this does not happen then it's classed as DIASTASIS RECTI
The separation can occur at different locations along the linea alba (connective tissue that runs vertically down the middle) so it is important that each of these locations above, below and around the umbilicus are checked postpartum.
Unfortunately this check doesn't automatically happen as part of your 6 week postpartum check up and so if you're more than 8 weeks postpartum and concerned that you have a diastasis recti, I'd fully advise you to contact a women's health physiotherapist or exercise professional qualified to check and advise you how to move forward with this.
Treatment for postpartum diastasis recti is CORE & PELVIC FLOOR REHABILITATION - The exercises taught focus on generating tension along the linea alba by working ALL aspects of the core canister such as the pelvic floor, diaphragm, deep core, outer core and oblique muscles.
Research shows that core & pelvic floor rehabilitation exercise has the most success when done in the first year postpartum and therefore early assessment and treatment is recommended. However it is never too late to improve your functional core strength!
If you're concerned you have diastasis recti please give me a shout - I hold local core + pelvic floor rehabilitation courses in Hitchin, Letchworth and Ickleford. I also have an online program available for those further afield which includes regular coaching calls so you're not going it alone.
Comments