Author: Carolyne Anthony
The literal translation of these words are- “diastasis”-separation and “recti”- which pertains to the rectus abdominus muscles. This is commonly known as your six pack.
When looking for or diagnosing a DR, most practitioners will look for a gap or a doming of the space between the gap.
How do I know if I have Diastasis Recti Abdominus?
A “gap” or a sinking in of the skin in the abdominal area usually presents after the birth of a baby, while “doming” or a bulge usually shows up while pregnant.
During pregnancy, there will be a natural gap between the muscles as they stretch to accommodate your growing uterus. However, in some women this gap is larger than normal and may cause pain or discomfort. When this happens, a nonrestrictive binder may offer support until the end of the pregnancy. If you are exercising take care not to emphasize abdominal strengthening. Tighter abdominal muscles have been shown to exacerbate a DR.
In the postpartum period, you may check after a week or so to see if you have a gap that is more than 2 fingers in width. 2 fingers is normal. 3 or more fingers in width may need help. Our abdominal binder will help you recover your abdominals in the first few weeks postpartum. Our diastasis recti recovery video shows you how to check for this.
When should you worry about this condition?
If you are feeling
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Have issues with your sacroiliac joint
- Have pelvic floor issues
- Feel bloated
- A loss of strength in your “core”
Chances are you may need a rehabilitation program. We recommend checking with your health care provider and then using our early postpartum recovery program or the intro to diastasis recti recovery program as your first step towards your postpartum recovery.
