Ab separation in pregnancy

Many mums experience a separation of their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.

Called diastasis recti, it's a natural part of the process, allowing your body to accommodate your growing baby. However careful monitoring is important to ensure there is no ongoing impact on your core strength and joint and muscle health.

Rectus Diastasis is the separation between the left and right side of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy. The connective tissue that holds the rectus abdominus muscle together, called the linea alba, stretches to accommodate for the growth of the baby.

This is a natural part of the pregnancy process, however it is essential to monitor as the size and depth can become problematic postnatally if not managed correctly.

Do I have separated abs?

A diastasis recti looks like a ridge that runs down the middle of the belly area. It stretches from the bottom of the breastbone to the belly button along the muscle that covers the front surface of the belly area.

I'm pregnant. How do I avoid diastasis recti?

The most effective way to minimise the degree of separation is through graded exercise, posture management and avoiding excess weight gain during pregnancy.

What are the impacts of diastasis recti?

Proactively helping to minimise the degree of separation will help to reduce issues post birth such as:

• lower back pain
• abdominal/core instability
• poor posture
• umbilical hernias
• urinary incontinence
• and a stomach that just won’t go away!

How is separation of the abdominals treated?

It is important to get assessed by your physio within two to three weeks after you've had your baby to determine the depth and tension of the connective tissue.

Six to eight weeks postnatal is the most crucial time for natural recovery to occur. Studies have shown that most of the healing occurs in the first two months after childbirth with no further closure occuring after that time. Therefore it is essential to begin the recovery process as soon as you have been assessed.

A small percentage of women may need surgical repair. Surgery should only be considered at least one year postpartum; if the inter-recti distance is larger than normal values and the abdominal contents can be palpated; if conservative management through strengthening for 12 weeks has not helped.

If you are concerned or would like to find out more, book a free initial assessment at your nearest Back In Motion practice.

Read our six things you can do to help ease back pain as well as protect your lower back during pregnancy. Worried about exercising while pregnant? Read our blog on how to stay fit and healthy.

Author | Naiha Sahota, Physiotherapist – Back In Motion Sydenham

Naiha completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne. Naiha’s desire to become a physiotherapist stems from her keen interest in staying active as well as her passion for helping others. Naiha has developed a special interest in Clinical Exercise and Women’s Health. Outside of work, Naiha is a self-proclaimed foodie and balances this with her interest in long distance running and hiking.

References

1. Diastasis Recti, New York Times, Accessed Tuesday, 5 April 2016.