Diastasis Recti is the stretching of connective tissue ( Linea Alba) between the 2 sections of the superficial abdominal muscle called Rectus abdominus ( "the 6 pack"), which occurs mostly during the later stage of pregnancy.

It is the result or symptom of excessive intra-abdominal pressure or loading caused by non- optimal body alignment.

This gap can remain soon after delivery and sometimes for longer, especially in second or subsequent pregnancies, in multiples, in pregnancies that require bed rest and also in pregnancies that follow each other closely.

While the distension remains, the whole pelvic and abdominal regions remain weakened and very unstable and therefore vulnerable to injuries. Moreover, the new mum is more likely to end up with "doming" of the stomach region, making her appear a few months pregnant. This can be made worse if she practices the wrong type of abdominal exercises such as sit ups, double leg lifts, twisting ( obliques) crunches or heavy weight lifting.

How to perform a Rec-Check:

Lying on your back with your legs bent, feet flat on the floor and hip width apart. Place one hand with Palm facing you and fingers above the navel. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor slightly and dig your fingers into the groove/gap along the midline of your abdomen. Feel the muscles gripping your fingers and measure in fingers the width. Repeat just above and just below the navel. A width of 1-2 fingers is what is considered normal in the days or weeks following birth. A width of 2+ fingers will mean a slower recovery but can still be reduced with the right exercise program. I have personally worked with women who had gaps as wide as my fist, who were told by doctors that nothing could be done other than surgical operation and who have managed to close the separation to a 2 finger gap through the right exercise program and their consistent hard work.

Notes

1.Midwives and doctors who check your abdomen at 6 weeks are more likely to check that your uterus has properly retracted rather than checking for abdominal separation. Therefore a Rec-Check should still be performed by yourself or an exercise specialist prior to returning to exercise.

2. Regardless of width of your abdominal separation, you should follow an integrated exercise program aiming at restoring, reconnecting and strengthening your entire core musculature.