The stage of motherhood is a very interesting one in every woman’s life. You get to enter into an amazing journey of carrying, birthing and raising a child. This is quite a fun moment of being a woman but actually excruciating, because there are lots of things you would have to deal with. There are several anatomical and physiological changes that come with being a mother, most especially after giving birth.
With all being said, you've made it through pregnancy, given birth, and had your body stretched in ways you never thought possible. And now that you’re in the postpartum period, you might be wondering what the heck has happened to your abdominal muscles. Well! This is just one of the many symptoms that come with being a mother. Diastasis recti!
In anatomic term, ‘diasteasis recti’ is an abnormal distance separating the two rectus muscles of the muscular abdominal wall. This separation can happen during pregnancy when the layer of connective tissue between the rectus abdominis muscles weakens, causing a bulging of abdominal contents. While uncomfortable and bothersome, this separation usually lessens within a few months after birth. However, it may be a prolonged issue if you don’t act accordingly.
Why does it happen?
It starts with the obvious stretching of the abdomen and additional pressure from baby during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can also contribute to the stretch.
Symptoms
By the postpartum period, all women experiencing diastasis recti should be able to see a visible bulge or ridge where the abdominal muscles separated. However, here are the warning signs that may indicate you have diastasis recti.
• Bulge or ridge that runs down the middle of the abdomen
• Most noticeable when abs are engaged or contracted
• Low back pain
• Weak abdominal muscles
• Difficulty lifting objects
• Poor posture
Diagnosis
Many women start to notice separation in their midsection; However, it is foten better to see a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Exercising your abdominal muscles is one of the best ways to manage and treat diastasis recti. This treatment plan focuses on rehab exercises to repair the separation the muscles.
Surgical procedures
Surgical procedure may not be needed to resolve diastasis recti. That’s why safe and appropriate exercises are the recommended first-line of action. However, some women may find that rehab exercises are not enough to resolve it. “In this case, abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is an option,”
Don’t do these exercises if you have diastasis recti
• Abdominal twists
• Backward bends that stretch the abdominal area
• Common yoga poses (not modified)
• Any heavy lifting activities that bulge out the stomach (like in a Valsalva maneuver)
• Any exercises that require you to be on your hands and knees without abdominal support or strength.
Exercises you need to Perform
A study found that abdominal strengthening programs provided to pregnant women can help decrease the severity of diastasis recti. Engage yourself in several abdominal exercises routine to decrease the symptoms of diastasis recti.
