We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Diastasis Recti?

K.C. Bruning
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,548
Share

Diastasis recti, which is also commonly known as abdominal separation, is a condition where the right and left sides of the muscle covering the front of the belly, called the rectus abdominis, become separated. It is most commonly found in newborns, particularly babies who are born prematurely or are of African American descent, and pregnant women. Diastasis recti is usually only a cosmetic issue and is not typically dangerous or life-threatening.

From the outside of a baby’s body, diastasis recti has a ridge-like appearance. It sits in the middle of the belly and runs approximately from the belly button up to the breastbone. The size of the ridge depends on how much the muscle is straining in a particular area. Often the ridge can be so subtle that it can only be seen easily when the baby is held in a sitting position.

In women who are in the early stages of pregnancy, signs of diastasis recti can appear as extra soft tissue and skin on the front wall of the abdomen. This can develop into a bulge which varies in size, depending on the severity of the condition. In the most extreme cases, parts of the baby can be seen pressing out in a bulge, while in other situations it may just be possible to see part of the uterus.

Diastasis recti is a common condition, which can be diagnosed with a physical exam, and is not serious or life-threatening. If a patient has previously had surgery of the abdomen, a doctor will usually need to rule out incisional or epigastric hernia before making a diagnosis. An ultrasound can help to clarify the diagnosis should this situation arise.

The condition will usually eventually heal without intervention. Women who have given birth can help to speed the healing process by regularly performing a series of exercises known as the Tupler technique. The most common possible complication is when a hernia grows between the muscles before they can bond. This is typically corrected with surgery.

Diastasis recti is most commonly caused by excessive pressure on the wall of the abdomen during pregnancy. For this reason, any sort of exercise or activity that results in prolonged or strong tension in the abdomen is generally not recommended for women who are in their second trimester of pregnancy. Repeated pregnancies or the strain of carrying multiple fetuses can also increase the chances of getting the condition.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
K.C. Bruning
By K.C. Bruning
Kendahl Cruver Bruning, a versatile writer and editor, creates engaging content for a wide range of publications and platforms, including WiseGeek. With a degree in English, she crafts compelling blog posts, web copy, resumes, and articles that resonate with readers. Bruning also showcases her passion for writing and learning through her own review site and podcast, offering unique perspectives on various topics.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning
Kendahl Cruver Bruning, a versatile writer and editor, creates engaging content for a wide range of publications and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-diastasis-recti.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.