Understanding Diastasis Recti, Post Pregnancy Condition

Its common knowledge that pregnancy changes a woman’s body. However, some changes are better than others. One of the post pregnancy effects that many women face and lands in the not welcome category is the diastasis recti. This is the separation of the abdominal muscles and can lead to different problems ranging from chronic back pain to protruding belly among others. Even though diastasis recti is common amongst women, a condition has not received much light. In fact, many of the women who go to their doctors complaining about this condition do not know about it.

So, what is diastasis recti? This is the abdominal separation of the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles. These muscles run side by side from the ribs all the way own to the pubic area. They are held together by connective tissues. When a woman is pregnant, the fascia (connective tissue) thins and stretches naturally to allow these muscles to spread apart and create space for the developing baby. In other women, the fascia contracts gradually back to normal months after giving birth. However, in some women, these muscles are too weak to contract and they remain in a stretched state, which separates the ab muscles. This is diastasis recti.

Sometimes this condition presents a protruding belly or what is referred to as a “mummy-tummy”. Many women who have this condition feel like they are still pregnant even after they have their last child. This condition is not a cosmetic issue. The muscles in the abdomen area can weaken significantly if stretched apart. This results to problems like the lower back pain, stress incontinence, hernia, and digestive disorders.

How to determine if you have diastasis recti. This condition can be diagnosed by your doctor through a physical exam. However, you can also try this at home. With your knees bent, li on your back and press our tummy gently with your fingers in the area around your belly button. Then lift your chin towards your chest and feel for the edges of your ab muscles. If you fit two or more fingers in between the muscles, then you have some diastasis recti.

Other signs include looking pregnant years after you have given birth or you have lost weight. You may also have a protruding belly regardless of reaching a healthy weight through exercise and diet. You belly becomes more noticeable especially when you engage your abs. you may also experience lower back pains, hip pain or even constipation. Should you have any unexplained changes in your body, you always need to consult your doctor. You can treat diastasis recti through a tummy tuck surgery as well as exercises at https://www.ourfitfamilylife.com/diastasis-recti-exercises/. 

The good news is that it can be rectified at any time and through exercises. However, you have to decide the best way you are going to deal with diastasis recti to avoid instances where it could be exacerbated. You can still regain a tone abdomen that is also firm and return to your normal body after delivery.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *