What Does Diastasis Recti Look Like: Identifying the Signs

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Dec 22, 11:30 am

Photo: (Photo : Christopher Campbell on Unsplash)

Diastasis recti, in which the abdominal muscles split, may be rather difficult for new moms. The key to effective treatment and management of this condition is a precise diagnosis.

When the rectus abdominis muscles, which run vertically across the abdomen, divide, a condition known as diastasis recti occurs. Stretching of the linea alba, the normal connective tissue that joins these muscles to each other, allows this gap to open up. Despite the common association with pregnancy, diastasis recti may affect men, non-pregnant women, and even newborns.

Noticing the Warning Signals of Diastasis Recti

Bulging or Pooching: Diastasis recti is characterized by a noticeable protrusion or pouch in the belly that happens when the abdominal muscles are pulled taut. When you cough or sit up straight after a night of sleep, you could notice this bulge more.

Adverse Back Pain: Instability in the core, brought on by weak abdominal muscles, may aggravate lower back pain. When core muscles are weak, the body sometimes tries to compensate by becoming painful.

Bad Posture: Your whole posture may be impacted by a weakening core. You may see that you are sitting or standing more often than normal, frequently slanting forward or backward.

Difficulty with Certain Movements: Because the abdominal muscles are weaker, activities that were once simple, including lifting things or working out, may become difficult.

A Gap Above or Below the Belly Button: You may feel for a gap by gently placing your fingers into the abdomen above or below the belly button and slightly raising your head. The separation of the muscles, or gap, is a certain sign of diastasis recti.

Measuring the Gap

Measuring the gap's breadth in finger widths helps ascertain the degree of diastasis recti. Many consider gaps of one to two finger widths as mild, while gaps exceeding two finger widths are classified as moderate to severe.

Aside from the strain on the belly and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, additional variables that increase the risk include age, the kind of delivery (difficult or multiple pregnancies are more risky), and certain movements that impose pressure on the abdominal wall.

For a correct diagnosis, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional if you think you may have diastasis recti. They may suggest suitable courses of action, such as physical therapy, targeted exercise regimens, or, in extreme circumstances, surgery.

Therapy and Administration

Exercises with a Specific Goal: Certain exercises may help close the gap and strengthen the core. Do not do workouts like crunches and sit-ups that could make the problem worse.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist may make a personalized exercise plan to help strengthen the core muscles and make the situation better.
Posture Improvement: Correcting your posture will help ease some of the diastasis recti symptoms.
Surgical Options: In more severe situations, surgeons may suggest surgery to fix the muscle separation.

A frequent ailment that may significantly affect both your physical health and enjoyment of life is diastasis recti. Effective management and treatment of this ailment primarily include identifying the indicators and getting the right medical guidance. It is possible to treat the symptoms of diastasis recti and strengthen the core muscles with the appropriate method.