Diastasis Recti

What is Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is when the muscles of the abdomen (rectus abdominis muscles) become thin and separate. The result is a wider space between the right and left abdomen (abdominal) muscles.

This wider space between the muscles may cause a bulge in the middle of your abdomen. You may notice this bulge when you are straining or when you sit up from a lying down position.

Diastasis recti can affect men and women. It is most common among pregnant women, infants, people who are obese, and people who have had abdominal surgery. Exercise or surgical treatment may help correct it.

What are the causes?

Common causes of this condition include:

  • Pregnancy. The growing uterus puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, which causes the muscles to separate.
  • Obesity. Excess fat puts pressure on abdominal muscles.
  • Weightlifting.
  • Some abdomen exercises.
  • Advanced age.
  • Genetics.
  • Prior abdominal surgery.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

  • Women.
  • Newborns, especially newborns who are born early (prematurely).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

  • A bulge in the middle of the abdomen. You will notice it most when you sit up or strain.
  • Pain in the low back, pelvis, or hips.
  • Constipation.
  • Inability to control when you urinate (urinary incontinence).
  • Bloating.
  • Poor posture.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam. Your health care provider will ask you to lie flat on your back and do a crunch or half sit-up. If you have diastasis recti, a vertical bulge will appear between your abdominal muscles in the center of your abdomen. Your health care provider will measure the gap between your muscles with one of the following:

  • A medical device used to measure the space between two objects (caliper).
  • A tape measure.
  • CT scan.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Finger spaces. Your health care provider will measure the space using their fingers.

How is this treated?

If your muscle separation is not too large, you may not need treatment. However, if you are a woman who plans to become pregnant again, you should treat this condition before your next pregnancy. Treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy to strengthen and tighten your abdominal muscles.
  • Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise.
  • Over-the-counter pain medicines as needed.
  • Surgery to correct the separation.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
  • When lifting weights or doing exercises using your abdominal muscles or the muscles in the center of your body that give stability (core muscles), make sure you are doing your exercises and movements correctly. Proper form can help to prevent the condition from happening again.

General instructions

  • If you are overweight, ask your health care provider for help with weight loss. Losing even a small amount of weight can help to improve your diastasis recti.
  • Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not strain. Straining can make the separation worse. Examples of straining include:
    • Pushing hard to have a bowel movement, such as due to constipation.
    • Lifting heavy objects, including children.
    • Standing up and sitting down.
  • Take steps to prevent constipation:
    • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
    • Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines only as directed.
    • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
    • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried and sweet foods.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You notice a new bulge in your abdomen.

Get help right away if:

  • You experience severe discomfort in your abdomen.
  • You develop severe abdominal pain along with nausea, vomiting, or fever.

Summary

  • Diastasis recti is when the abdomen (abdominal) muscles become thin and separate. Your abdomen will stick out because the space between your right and left abdomen muscles has widened.
  • The most common symptom is a bulge in your abdomen. You will notice it most when you sit up or are straining.
  • This condition is diagnosed during a physical exam.
  • If the abdomen separation is not too big, you may choose not to have treatment. Otherwise, you may need to undergo physical therapy or surgery.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856