Diastasis Recti: The 5 Most Tell-Tale Signs You Have It

Life after pregnancy is somewhat of a mystery. Some mothers feel better than they ever did before, and some need a little extra time to feel like themselves again. Watching out for your health (and your baby’s) is key after you give birth, as there are many issues that can arise post-pregnancy. One of these issues is Diastasis Recti or abdominal separation. This is a common condition that happens in women over 35, have a high-weight baby, or have multiple pregnancies. It can be noticeable right after the delivery of the baby. We’ve uncovered some of the most tell-tale signs you have Diastasis Recti. Keep reading for the signals your body may be giving you and the treatment plans you can start to fix this condition.

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Diastasis Recti of the upper abdomen? Over the past month, I’ve been suffering from horrible back pain and digestive issues ?, hence my lack of posting to social media. And, even almost a year post-pregnancy and as someone who exercises frequently and eats very clean, my stomach still protrudes like I’m 4 or 5 months pregnant ?. I’ve mentioned this before, I took the time for my body to heal, and slowly introduced exercise back into my routine, and I’ve been feeling so strong and good again, but my stomach just won’t budge and now the back pain has started. I don’t know for sure, but I think I may have Diastasis Recti of the UPPER abdomen — but I need to get this properly diagnosed by a therapist. For those reading this who don’t know what it is, it’s a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles .The tissue gets thin and weak, causing the waistline to widen and the belly to bulge forward, to create space for the baby. I have and will always love my body, but wish to regain the strength of my core, and make sure it is corrected. I know core compression exercises will ultimately bring my belly back into the spine, and I know I need to avoid straining the area with poor posture, crunches and planks (which I have been doing lately). As I begin my journey to repair this with a trained expert, I’ll share suggestions with you all along the way. #DiastasisRecti #postbabybody #motherhood #diastasisrectirepair #momlife #postpartumbody
A post shared by Bianca May Cheah (@biancamaycheah) on Jul 14, 2020 at 1:47pm PDT

The 5 Most Tell-Tale Signs You Have Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti happens more often than one might think. About two-thirds of women get it, and you might not even notice it. According to Healthline, pregnancy puts so much pressure on the belly that sometimes your abdominal muscles cannot keep the shape that they had before you gave birth. Again, most of the time women over 35, those who are carrying big babies, or having multiple births get diagnosed with this condition. Men can get it too, from gaining and losing weight or even working out! The reasons to treat it are that it may cause lower back pain, constipation, urine leaking, or even a hernia. Below are some of the signs you might have.

1) A belly or “pooch”

2) Lower back pain

3) Bad posture

What Is The Treatment For Abdominal Separation

In most cases, abdominal separation can be treated and become a non-issue. Your core will be weakened post-birth, so you might need to wear a binder for support during the day. You will need to avoid some activities if you have rectus diastasis. According to Healthline, do not lift anything that is super heavy, because this will further strain this part of your body. Do not do any sort of crunches, sit-ups, or planks until you have fully healed. This might make you feel worse. It is actually best to avoid any exercise that may strain the abdominal muscles. Also, avoid carrying your baby on one hip. Support your lower back at all times. Do not cough without supporting your abdominal muscles.

To start to strengthen your core, do modified pregnancy-safe exercises for Diastasis Recti. This includes pelvic floor and deep stomach muscle exercises. We recommend you speak with a doctor or specialist about the best routine for you. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to have cosmetic surgery to reduce the bulge.

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