Diastasis recti is extremely common!
Diastasis recti is experienced by almost 2/3 of women after their pregnancies (though it can happen to men as well!). And it tends to linger. 46% of women who are six-months post-partum still have signs of diastasis.
The reason why this is so important is because of some of the complications that can happen as a result of having a diastasis. It also can make losing the postpartum weight a bit more challenging from an aesthetics point of view (the diastasis can jut out giving a distended look).
What is it?
With diastasis recti, women see a separation in the abs in the front of their stomach because of the stretch of the baby during pregnancy. The best way of thinking about it is if you think about a six-pack ab. In the middle of the six pack you see a centre line. This line is your linea alba. It is also the point that is separated for women or men with a diastasis.
It is the distance of the separation that determines the severity of the diastasis. This is going to be important for management.
A physiotherapist or your family doctor can help you navigate that process and figure out what you need to do long term.
Want more information about diastasis recti? Check out our blog article on the subject!
Pregnancy can be really hard on the body! Many women experience morning sickness, issues with leaking urine after and during pregnancy as well as pregnancy-related low back pain. At STAVE OFF, we do a lot of work with women to try to get their body’s ready to deliver, reduce pain and help them get back to pre-pregnancy shape. Exercise is a huge component of that. Check out our article on the positive benefits of exercise for both mom and baby by click on this link.
Have any other FAQs or blog articles you want written around pregnancy topics or diastasis recti? Let us know by leaving a comment!
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