Mommy's Stretched Holes: A Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti, or DR, is a condition that occurs when the two muscles of the abdomen (the rectus abdominis) separate during pregnancy. This can cause a bulge in the abdomen, as well as pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.

Causes of Diastasis Recti

DR is caused by the stretching of the connective tissue that holds the rectus abdominis muscles together. This stretching can occur during pregnancy, when the uterus expands and puts pressure on the abdominal muscles. Other factors that can contribute to DR include:

• Multiple pregnancies: Each pregnancy increases the risk of DR.
• Large babies: Babies weighing more than 8 pounds are more likely to cause DR.
• Advanced maternal age: Women over 35 are more likely to develop DR.
• Obesity: Obese women are more likely to develop DR.
• Weak abdominal muscles: Women with weak abdominal muscles are more likely to develop DR.

Symptoms of Diastasis Recti

The most common symptom of DR is a bulge in the abdomen. This bulge may be more noticeable when you are lying down or when you are straining to lift something. Other symptoms of DR can include:

• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• Back pain
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse

Diagnosis of Diastasis Recti

DR can be diagnosed by a physical examination. Your doctor will feel your abdomen to check for a bulge and to measure the width of the gap between the rectus abdominis muscles.

Treatment of Diastasis Recti

There are a number of treatments available for DR. These treatments include:

• Exercise: Specific exercises can help to strengthen the abdominal muscles and close the gap between the rectus abdominis muscles.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve posture and to teach you how to perform exercises correctly.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of DR.

Benefits of Treating Diastasis Recti

Treating DR can help to improve your symptoms and to prevent further complications. Benefits of treating DR can include:

• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Improved posture
• Reduced risk of back pain
• Reduced risk of urinary incontinence
• Reduced risk of pelvic organ prolapse

How to Prevent Diastasis Recti

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent DR, including:

• Strengthen your abdominal muscles: Perform exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles, such as crunches, planks, and leg lifts.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase your risk of DR.
• Avoid straining your abdominal muscles: Avoid lifting heavy objects or straining your abdominal muscles when you are pregnant.
• Use a support belt: A support belt can help to support the abdominal muscles and prevent them from stretching.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for managing DR:

• Use a heating pad: A heating pad can help to relieve pain and discomfort.
• Massage your abdomen: Massaging your abdomen can help to improve circulation and reduce pain.
• Avoid constipation: Constipation can put pressure on the abdominal muscles and worsen DR.
• Be patient: It takes time to heal from DR. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about DR:

• What is the difference between diastasis recti and a hernia? A hernia is a condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through a hole in the muscle or tissue that surrounds it. DR is a condition in which the two muscles of the abdomen (the rectus abdominis) separate.
• Can I get pregnant if I have diastasis recti? Yes, you can get pregnant if you have DR. However, DR can increase your risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight.
• How long does it take to recover from diastasis recti? The time it takes to recover from DR varies depending on the severity of the condition. Most people recover within a few months.
• What are the long-term effects of diastasis recti? If left untreated, DR can lead to a number of long-term effects, such as chronic pain, back pain, and urinary incontinence.

Call to Action

If you think you may have DR, talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve your symptoms and prevent further complications.

Table 1: Risk Factors for Diastasis Recti

Table 2: Symptoms of Diastasis Recti

Table 3: Benefits of Treating Diastasis Recti