During pregnancy, all the muscles of the abdominal wall go through progressive stretch to make room for your baby which is why all pregnant women will experience some degree of widening at the linea alba (a thin band of connective tissue that runs between the two sides of rectus abdominis “six pack” muscles) by the last few weeks of pregnancy.Diastasis recti is a partial or complete separation of the midline abdominal muscles known as the rectus abdominis. This finding most often occurs in women during and after pregnancy. In fact, many pregnant women experience some form of this condition, as the growing uterus stretches muscles to accommodate a growing baby.
As mentioned, the stretching of abdominal muscles during pregnancy can cause diastasis recti. In addition, increased intra-abdominal pressure due to pushing during delivery can worsen the condition. All in all, it is quite common for a postpartum woman to experience diastasis recti. In mild cases, the muscular separation closes during the weeks after delivery, but in many cases, the problem is persistent and can cause physical complaints and self-confidence issues.
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