A rectus abdominis diastasis, or simply diastasis, is a widening of the distance between the two rectus abdominis muscles, which run vertically down the centre of the trunk, from the bottom of the ribs to the pubic bone.
This is considered a normal adaptation to pregnancy, and may occur as the baby grows, and the abdominal muscles are lengthened.
The extent and location of the diastasis will vary from person to person, and a bulge may be noticed in the abdomen during movements such as getting up out of bed, with sudden fast actions such as a cough or sneeze, or with certain exercises.
This is often referred to as ‘doming,’ and is a midline bulge along the length of the diastasis.
In the postnatal period, there will be some natural recovery of the diastasis as the body slowly reverts back to the non-pregnant state.
Presence of a diastasis will affect the types of movements and exercises that should be performed both during pregnancy and in the postnatal period.
Assessment by a physiotherapist with experience in this area will allow for advice regarding appropriate exercises for during both of these periods of time.
