You have safely given birth and soon you realize unexpected stretches on your belly.
You should not be so much worried because you are simply experiencing a condition called Diastasis Recti and yes, you can fix it.
Diastasis Recti: What is it?
Diastasis Recti, also known as diastasis Recti Abdominis, is a condition where the rectus Abdominis muscles are partially or completely separated from each other.
The Rectus Abdominis muscles are simply the left and right sides of a six-pack.
It occurs during pregnancy due to the pressure of the growing baby and a few weeks after birth when these muscles fail to return to their original position.
Diastasis Recti is common among pregnant women and those who have already delivered. However, it could also occur to men, women who have never been pregnant, and children who are born with it.
There are many ways of knowing if you have Diastasis Recti including; observing the signs and symptoms, diagnosis by a physiotherapist, and self-diagnostic.
Diastasis Recti Signs and Symptoms
- Belly Bulge
Due to weakened connective tissues of the abdominal muscles, your core bears a lot of pressure leaving a gap at the front of your abs.
Your belly then bulges in a cone or loaf bread shape. This explains why bellies of most women protrude even after delivery. Such shape does not go away easily even with some exercises
- Lower Back Pain
Those suffering from Diastasis Recti usually experience back pains.
The lower back is supported by the Recti Abdominis muscles. Therefore, if they are weaned, they will affect the lower back.
If the Diastasis Recti is not the cause of the back pain, then it can worsen it.
If you are having this problem, you should avoid lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, or twisting your torso.
- Pelvic Issues
Diastasis leads to abdominal muscles weakening and thus unable to effectively support the abdominal organs, which then rest on the pelvic bowl.
This weight then pressurizes the pelvic floor causing pain and some pelvic related issues.
- Poor Posture
The abdominal muscles are crucial in keeping your upper body upright. One cannot maintain good posture if these muscles are affected.
Women who have Diastasis means their muscles are separated and weakened.
Pregnant women with this disorder have reported poor postures, particularly towards their third trimester.
- Intestinal Disturbances
When vertical abdominal muscles are separated, they apply heavy pressure on the abdominal wall and pelvic floor. This results to pressure on both the upper and lower intestines.
This pressure may lead to constipation, which is characterized by a reduced number of stools per week, passing hard or a rounded stool, and strain during a bowel movement.
If you want to learn more about diastasis recti symptoms – Restore Your Core program can be a great option for you.
Self- Diagnostic
You can follow the following steps to examine the presence of DR in your body;
- Lie down on your back with your feet flat on the floor and bent knees
- Have your right arm placed behind your head. Make sure the elbow is bent as if you are preparing for a stomach crunch.
- With your shoulders still in the ground, lift your head and neck. With your left hand, find the belly button and the muscle tissues that vertically parallel to it.
- Softly press your fingers along these muscles seeking a vertical gap.
- If you find this gap, measure its width using your fingers. If one finger doesn’t fit you can add another until they fit.
If the gap is more than 2 fingers, then you probably have Diastasis Recti.
Medical Test
Although self- diagnostic is easy and free, it is always advisable to visit your doctor for more accurate results.
The doctor will use a caliper or ultrasound to measure the Recti gaps.
If they are more than two fingers then the doctor might recommend physical therapy.