Rectus Diastasis

What is rectus diastasis?

Rectus diastasis causes specific abdominal muscles to separate during and after pregnancy. These muscles are at the front of the abdomen, commonly called a “six-pack.”

During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles stretch as your baby grows. This pushes the tissue outward, causing it to expand like a rubber band. 

After giving birth, your abdominal muscles retract to their original position. However, if your muscles were overextended during pregnancy, a gap can form, causing rectus diastasis.

What are the symptoms of rectus diastasis?

Rectus diastasis symptoms include:

• A visible bulge just above or below your belly button
• A soft or jelly-like feeling in your belly button
• Coning or doming when you flex your abdominal muscles
• Low back pain
• Poor posture
• Pelvic or hip pain
• Constipation

Many people with rectus diastasis experience urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage) when coughing and sneezing.

How is rectus diastasis diagnosed?

Dr. Madni reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’ve worsened since giving birth. Tell her about any changes you’ve experienced, even if they seem minor. 

Next, Dr. Madni examines your abdomen. She uses her hands and fingers to feel for gaps between your abdominal muscles and gently presses above and below your belly button. 

If Dr. Madni needs additional information, she performs an abdominal ultrasound. This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to provide real-time pictures of your abdominal muscles and the surrounding tissues.

How is rectus diastasis treated?

Dr. Madni treats rectus diastasis using a conservative and patient-centered approach. Often, activity modifications are enough to encourage healing. 

For example, Dr. Madni might ask you to stop lifting anything heavier than your baby and to avoid activities that push your abdominal muscles outward, like crunches and sit-ups. You might also benefit from rolling onto your side before getting out of bed.

Sometimes, Dr. Madni recommends wearing an elastic belly band or another binding device. These tools won’t heal rectus diastasis, but they can remind you to practice good posture and be careful.

If your symptoms continue or fail to improve, Dr. Madni might recommend surgery. That’s particularly true if you have a hernia (when an internal organ pushes through your abdominal muscles).

Call the office of Dina Madni, MD, to schedule rectus diastasis treatment, or book your appointment online today.