Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy

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Diastasis Recti during pregnancy. Let’s debunk some myths and lessen the fear around this issue. 

Diastasis Recti (or DrA) is technically the separation of the right and left rectus abdominus muscles as a result of the “widening” of the linea alba. But because all four of your abdominal muscles attach to the linea alba, it’s really a separation of all of your abdominal muscles. 

The thing is, this is a normal process during pregnancy. Your entire abdominal wall stretches to accommodate your growing baby. The connective tissue, the muscles, they all stretch and often thin. The issue or “impairment” occurs when it is stretched beyond the point of being able to generate tension and your abdominal pressure system is compromised. This can manifest as doming/coning of your abdomen along the midline, back pain, vaginal pressure or urinary leakage. 

There is a lot you can do to manage DrA during pregnancy and rehab it postpartum, including core strengthening, exercise or activity modification and even breathing and postural training. 

Stay tuned next week for tips on recognizing DrA in your own body and how to tell when an exercise may be over-stressing your abdominal wall.