Diastasis Recti: How to Identify Abdominal Separation After Pregnancy

postpartum • Updated August 11, 2022

Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist

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What is Diastasis Recti?

A diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles, also known as the “six-pack” muscles. This separation occurs along the band of connective tissue that runs down the middle of the rectus abdominis. This band of tissue is called the linea alba, but I’ll refer to it as the “midline.”

Some degree of abdominal separation will always occur during pregnancy. This is because everyone’s core muscles must expand to make room for the baby to grow! During pregnancy, separation occurs down the midline due to the force of the uterus pushing against the abdomen wall and the influx of pregnancy hormones that soften connective tissue.

60% of pregnancies, the abdominal separation will be wider than 2 – 2.5 finger-widths apart, and you will be considered to have diastasis recti. Diastasis recti can occur anytime in the last half of pregnancy but most commonly occurs after pregnancy when the abdominal wall is lax. The thinner midline tissue no longer provides adequate support for the torso and internal organs. Learn how to limit diastasis recti during pregnancy HERE.

A small amount of widening of the midline happens in all pregnancies and is normal. In many cases, this abdominal separation, also known as diastasis recti, will heal naturally post-birth without medical intervention. However, for many, the tissue remains too wide. A midline separation of more than 2 to 2.5 finger widths, or 2 centimeters, is considered problematic.

What’s the Problem with a Diastasis Recti?

A diastasis recti can lead to pelvic instability due to abdominal wall weakness. This instability can create several problems.

Abdominal discomfort with certain movements, such as rolling over in bed, getting in/out of bed, and lifting heavy objects
Umbilical hernia
Pubic symphysis pain
Sacroiliac joint pain
Low back pain
Pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as urinary, fecal, and flatulence incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

Also, a diastasis recti can change the appearance of the abdomen. The skin may droop, and some patients may even develop an actual hernia through the midline.

Also, some moms may complain of continuing to look pregnant . . . Even YEARS after having their baby.

How to know if you have Diastasis Recti

Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
Exhale and lift your head and shoulders off the floor – put one hand behind your head to support your neck.
Make sure you contract your rectus abdomens muscle – bring your rib cage closer to your hips, rather than just bringing up your head.
Place your fingers in a horizontal position across your belly button and feel above, over, and below the belly button. Assess the width and depth of the gap. It is also relevant if there is a gap and how firm or loose the sheath under the belly button feels.

Diastasis Recti Warning

The urge to return to traditional ab exercises like crunches may be strong when you feel ready to work out again after having a baby. Still, if you have diastasis recti, you must be cautious about what type of abdominal exercises you return to.

Be sure you’re engaging your transverse abdominal and be very wary of any ab exercises that increase the intra-abdominal pressure. Intra-abdominal pressure is the real problem behind diastasis recti and the “mommy tummy.” Pushing your body too far or rushing into hardcore ab exercises could do more harm than good if you have diastasis recti.

Avoid any exercise that will cause your abdominal wall to bulge out upon exertion.

NOTE: If at any point through your workout you notice signs of core weakness, please consider a modification until you can complete the entire workout without any of the following: