Condition
Understanding abdominal separation after pregnancy
Many women notice changes in their tummy during and after pregnancy and wonder whether they have abdominal separation, often referred to as Diastasis Recti.
You may have noticed:
- A gap between the abdominal muscles
- A doming or bulging appearance through the tummy
- Weakness through the core
- Difficulty returning to exercise
- A feeling that your abdomen no longer functions as it once did
- Lower back, pelvic or abdominal discomfort
While these changes can feel worrying, the good news is that abdominal separation is a normal adaptation to pregnancy.
What is diastasis recti?
During pregnancy, the growing baby places increasing demands on the abdominal wall. As the abdomen expands, the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles stretches to create space for your baby.
This separation of the abdominal muscles is known as Diastasis Recti.
In many ways, it is a remarkable example of how the female body adapts during pregnancy.
For some women, the abdominal wall regains strength and function naturally after birth. For others, symptoms may persist and additional support can be helpful.
Is the size of the gap important?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Diastasis Recti is that the size of the gap determines how well your core functions.
In reality, the width of the separation is only one small part of the picture.
What often matters more is how well the abdominal wall can generate tension, transfer load and support you during everyday activities and exercise.
This is why two women with similar separations can have very different symptoms and recovery experiences.
When might support be helpful?
You may benefit from an assessment if you are experiencing:
- Ongoing abdominal weakness
- Difficulty returning to exercise
- Back, pelvic or abdominal pain
- Persistent doming through the abdominal wall
- Concerns about your recovery after pregnancy or birth
Sometimes reassurance is all that is needed. Other times, a more structured rehabilitation programme can help improve strength, confidence and function.
How I assess diastasis recti
Assessment involves more than simply measuring the gap.
I look at how your abdominal wall functions as part of the whole body, including breathing patterns, posture, movement, pelvic floor function and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Where appropriate, I may also incorporate visceral assessment, particularly if pregnancy, birth or previous surgery may be influencing recovery.
How I can help
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
- Education and reassurance
- Core rehabilitation
- Breathing and movement strategies
- Pelvic floor assessment and guidance
- Exercise progression
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate
My aim is not simply to help you close a gap, but to help you feel stronger, more confident and better able to trust your body again.
Not sure where to start?
A Mummy MOT® can help you understand how your abdominal wall is functioning and identify any areas that may benefit from further attention.
My aim is to help you better understand your body, feel confident in your recovery and know what steps to take next.
