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Pregnancy And Diastasis Recti: How Physio Can Help

Did you know that around a third of women experience diastasis recti in the third trimester? 

For many women, this problem persists after they’ve given birth. Diastasis recti occurs when your rectus abdominis muscles (sometimes called ‘six-pack’ muscles) separate, creating a gap in the abdominal wall. This occurs naturally in many women during pregnancy as the uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby. 

For some women, this gap doesn’t close fully after childbirth. This can leave you with a weakened core and, sometimes, visible abdominal bulging.

 Certain factors can increase the likelihood of Diastasis Recti, including:

  • Multiple pregnancies. Every pregnancy can contribute to further weakening of muscles.
  • Having multiple babies in one pregnancy. Twins or triplets can be a wonderful surprise, but they can increase abdominal pressure.
  • Genetics. Some women are genetically predisposed to suffer from muscle separation.
  • Poor abdominal muscle tone before pregnancy. Weaker muscles are more susceptible to separation. This is why physio can be so helpful. 
  • Having a baby at an older age. Connective tissue becomes less elastic with age, raising the risk.

The degree of separation can vary; some may experience only mild gaps, others can face more pronounced separations.

Diastasis Recti often appears like a bulging belly, but it doesn’t just affect our appearance. Symptoms can include back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction and a poor posture. If you are suffering from this problem, it’s therefore important to seek professional help.

PelviCare regularly delivers physio sessions for women with Diastasis Recti.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping women recover from Diastasis Recti by focusing on exercises and techniques designed to strengthen the core, improve posture, and gradually close the abdominal gap.

PelviCare can assess the degree of muscle separation and develop a personalised exercise programme focusing on your deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis. Strengthening these muscles is key to supporting the healing process.

We can also provide you with breathing techniques, helping you engage your core without putting unnecessary strain on the abdominal wall. Progress is usually gradual when it comes to recovering from this condition. We can help you gradually adjust your routine, with techniques that provide a strong foundation for your recovery.

We can also advise on the best exercises to reduce strain on your abdomen. Our physiotherapists are highly experienced when it comes to helping women with this issue.  

Find out more about our physio for diastasis recti. Or don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.