How to Know if You Have Diastasis Recti After Pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings many physical changes to a woman’s body, one of which is the potential for developing diastasis recti.
Many new mothers experience diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, causing discomfort and concern. Understanding how to identify and manage diastasis recti is essential for postpartum recovery.
Understanding Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti happens when the two sides of the rectus abdominis, generally known as the “six-pack” muscles, separate due to the overstretching and thinning of the linea alba, the connective tissue holding them together.
This condition is particularly common during and after pregnancy, as the expanding uterus places increased pressure on the abdominal muscles.
How to know if you have Diastasis Recti after Pregnancy?
Recognizing the symptoms of diastasis recti is the first step in addressing it. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Visible Bulge: One of the most noticeable signs is a bulge or ridge running down the midline of the abdomen, especially when you strain or contract your abdominal muscles.
Core Weakness: You may experience a general feeling of weakness in your core, making it difficult to perform activities that require abdominal strength, such as lifting, bending, or twisting.
Lower Back Pain: Diastasis recti can cause poor posture and alignment, leading to lower back pain. The abdominal muscles are essential for supporting the spine.
Poor Posture: You may notice a change in your posture, such as a protruding belly or an exaggerated curve in your lower back, known as lordosis.
Digestive Issues: Some women experience bloating or constipation as a result of diastasis recti due to the decreased support for the abdominal organs.
Self-Check for Diastasis Recti
Performing a self-check can help you determine if you have diastasis recti. Here’s a simple method to do it:
1- Lie on Your Back: Initiate the exercise by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet securely positioned on the floor.
2- Lift Your Head and Shoulders: Gently lift your head and shoulders off the floor as if doing a mini crunch. Make sure to support your head with one hand if needed.
3- Check the Midline: With your other hand, feel along the midline of your abdomen, just above and below your belly button. You’re looking for a gap or a soft spot.
4- Measure the Gap: Use your fingers to measure the width of the gap. A separation of more than three cms is generally considered diastasis recti.
Also Read: How To Fix Diastasis Recti After Pregnancy Years Later?
Professional Diagnosis
A timely and professional diagnosis of diastasis recti is crucial for effective treatment. A qualified healthcare provider’s expertise is essential for accurately assessing the severity of the condition and developing a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Daniel Serralta, a distinguished specialist in diastasis recti treatment in Dubai, offers his extensive experience and proficiency in this field. With his comprehensive knowledge and advanced tools, Dr. Daniel Serralta can perform a thorough evaluation and deliver individualized rectus diastasis treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Treatment and Management
Managing diastasis recti involves a combination of exercises, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical interventions. Here are some effective strategies:
1- Core Strengthening Exercises: Concentrate on movements that enhance the deep abdominal muscles while avoiding strain on the linea alba. Avoid traditional crunches and sit-ups, as these can exacerbate the condition. Instead, try pelvic tilts, heel slides, and modified planks. It is not easy to perform the appropriate exercises, so I always recommend to learn them from an specialized physiotherapist.
2- Physical Therapy: After giving birth, a trained physical therapist can create customized exercise regimen to help you regain your core strength and reduce the separation of your abdominal muscles.
3- Proper Posture: Ensuring proper posture can help reduce the stress on your abdominal muscles. Pay close attention to your body alignment when you are sitting, standing, and lifting objects.
4- Supportive Garments: Wearing an abdominal binder or compression garment can support your core, especially in the early stages of recovery.
5- Avoid Heavy Lifting: During the initial stages of healing, avoid heavy lifting and activities that strain your abdominal muscles excessively.
6- Breathing Techniques: Practicing proper breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can help engage and strengthen your core muscles.
When to Consider Surgery?
In severe cases where diastasis recti does not improve with conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Surgical Options for Diastasis Recti in Dubai
Diastasis recti surgery in Dubai is considered when non-invasive treatments have not been effective. The available surgical options include:
Classic Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck):
This procedure reconnects the separated abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, making it ideal for cases with considerable skin sagging. However the cosmetic results are usually poor due to a long scar and the need to relocate the belly button.
Mini Tummy Tuck:
This is a less extensive version of the classic abdominoplasty, focusing on the tissue below the belly button. Although less extensive repair is done, usually it still requires a long scar
Keyhole Abdominoplasty (Endoscopic Tummy Tuck):
This minimally invasive technique involves three small incisions (approximately 1 cm each), a laparoscope, and specialized instruments. It offers huge advantages, starting with the cosmetic results, but also from the physiological point of view, offering reduced scarring and faster recovery compared to traditional methods.
Preventing Diastasis Recti in Future Pregnancies
If you’ve experienced diastasis recti in a previous pregnancy, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.
1- Strengthen Your Core Before Pregnancy: Building a solid core before becoming pregnant can help support your abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
2- Practice Good Posture: Keeping good posture during pregnancy can help lessen the strain on your abdominal muscles.
3- Avoid Excessive Weight Gain: Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase the pressure on your abdominal muscles, so aim for a healthy weight gain as your healthcare provider recommends.
4- Engage in Safe Exercises: Continue to perform safe, low-impact exercises during pregnancy to maintain core strength and overall fitness.
Diastasis recti is a common but manageable condition that many women experience after pregnancy. By understanding the signs and symptoms, performing a self-check, and seeking professional diagnosis and treatment, you can effectively manage and recover from diastasis recti.
You can restore your core strength, alleviate discomfort, and enjoy a healthy postpartum recovery with the right approach.
It’s not always easy to recognize how to know if you have diastasis recti – but a consultation with Dr. Daniel Serralta a leading specialist in Dubai and a skilled laparoscopic surgeon who offers expert care for patients battling abdominal and gastrointestinal issues can help.
Consult Dr. Daniel Serralta for Expert Rectus Diastasis Treatment in Dubai
If you seek professional help for abdominal diastasis, look no further than Dr. Daniel Serralta. As a leading specialist in Dubai, Dr. Daniel Serralta offers extensive experience and expertise in treating rectus diastasis and rectus abdominis conditions.
His commitment to individualized care guarantees that you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, receive a precise diagnosis, and benefit from a treatment plan specifically designed for your needs.
