What is Diastasis Rectii?

Diastasis Rectii has gotten a lot of publicity lately. And I am so glad that more people are talking about this common condition that occurs during pregnancy.

Diastasis Rectii is the stretching of the abdominal muscle, the rectus abdominus. In between the rectus abdomenus is the linea alba, which is connective tissue. During pregnancy, as the uterus grows the linea alba stretches to make more space for baby. Most women will experience some stretching, and separation of the rectus abdominus muscle due to this stretching.

This is no reason for concern, your abdominal muscles did not rip apart and you did not do anything wrong during your pregnancy if this happens.

At 4 week postpartum, 60% of women will continue to experience this separation of the rectus abdominus. In general, this will heal on its own at about 12-16 weeks postpartum.

However, pelvic floor PT can help to improve this condition much sooner and specific exercises can assist with bringing those two side of the rectus abdominus back together.

Some common symptoms of Diastasis Rectii include:

1.) A feeling of weakness in the abdominal area

2.) a “pouch” in the abdominal area

3.) Low back pain

4.) Urinary incontinence

5.) Pain with intercourse

Although diastasis rectii is very common and no cause for alarm, this is something that we want to address to help engage the pelvic floor muscles and core muscles properly. This separation can lead to issues such as back pain, pelvic organ prolapse and chronic pelvic pain. Addressing this early is key, and core stability work can even start during pregnancy preventatively.

However it is also never too late to address diastasis rectii, and can be improved many years postpartum.

If you think you might have diastasis rectii, scheduling an appointment for a pelvic floor physical therapy assessment is key in getting the help that you need!