What is diastasis rectus abdominis?

Nearly two in three of all pregnant women will have diastasis rectus abdominis, which is more commonly referred to as ab separation. Interestingly, it is also quite common among newborns, but it goes away on its own.

What does "ab separation" mean?

Your abdominal muscles are made up of two different muscles, and when these separate, it causes ab separation. Diastasis rectus abdominis occurs when the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscle separates and creates a ridge that runs down the middle of the belly area.

What causes diastasis rectus abdominis?

During pregnancy, there is increased tension of the abdominal wall as your body prepares for pregnancy and to give birth. When you have ab separation, however, it only leaves a thin band of connective tissue to hold your bowels, uterus and other organs in place.

Can diastasis rectus abdominis cause any health issues?

When you experience ab separation, it means that a thin band of connective tissue holds your bowels, uterus and other organs in place. This can cause a number of issues, including constipation, urine leaking and lower back pain. As you grow during your pregnancy, it can also make it more difficult to breathe and move.

In addition, it can result in a more difficult vaginal delivery. However, there are things that you can do to minimize the separation and reduce the pain throughout.

How can you prevent ab separation from happening during pregnancy?

There are several things that you can do to ensure that ab separation doesn't occur during your pregnancy and if it does, to mitigate its severeness.

For instance, watch out for lifting heavy things – which can strain your connective tissue. In addition, watch out for how you exercise when you are pregnant. Crunches, press-ups, front planks and push ups can actually make ab separation worse.

It's important to address this issue with your doctor and consult a physical therapist, who can help reduce the separation between your abdominal muscles and decrease the pain.

Are you suffering from ab separation? Contact us at Beyond Therapy and Wellness to schedule an evaluation to discuss in further detail.