Diastasis Recti and Pregnancy

During pregnancy the two halves of the outermost abdominal layer, the rectus abdominis, can become separated due to the forceful pressure from the increasing abdominal weight, resulting in diastasis recti. This is the cause of the dreaded belly bulge. The separation happens because the growing baby and uterus put a forceful pressure on the connective tissue that holds the two halves of the muscles together (See diagram), causing the connective tissue to stretch apart and become weak. Futher to, maternal hormones: relaxin, estrogen and progesterone encourage the connective tissue to become less supportive. Although not all women get diastasis recti when pregnant, it is extremely common. Also, the more pregnancies you experience, the worse it may get. This is why you "show" faster with successive pregnancies- a diastasis exists.

Now the good news?

A diastasis can be closed with the Tupler Technique!

Since the birth of my second child I have determined that I am suffering from a diastasis recti myself. My separation began with the following measurements- top=3, middle=4, lower=4 with weak connective tissue (I could feel pulsing beneath my fingers during the check) I speculate that the separation occured during my first pregnancy almost 7 years ago and was never closed, unnoticed because I am in good shape so my belly still appeared flat. I am currently on the "Ab Rehab" program, and I will be blogging about my experience with it- challenges and successes- so stay tuned!

Comments

I don’t have a Diastasis- Why is my abdomen still distended postpartum?

I get asked this question all the time! Here is my answer:
Research has shown that 100% of pregnant women will develop some degree of diastasis recti. A diastasis is a lateral separation in the abdominal wall between the recti or “six pack”, due to a stretching of the midline connective tissue or “linea alba”. Although some diastasis will heal postpartum, in many cases a separation will remain without restorative exercise.
Distention from DR will present as a doming in the midline. Women who heal a diastasis spontaneously or through restorative exercise may still find that their abdomens are distended, particularly after a meal and/or at the end of the day. If there is no diastasis, why is this?
This abdominal distention does not occur in the midline, but rather across the entire abdominal wall. This is due to a weakened hypotonic TVA- transverse abdominis muscle. The TVA is the deepest anterior abdominal muscle, wrapping around the midsection like a girdle, with a left and right side. T…

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Kate Rita- Personal Trainer and Diastasis Expert

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