Do I have abdominal separation?
An abdominal separation (diastasis recti abdominis; DRA) is the separation of your six pack muscles (rectus abdominis) from the midline due to overstretching of the connective tissue (linea alba) in the middle. It is most commonly seen in women after pregnancy.
How do I know I have abdominal separation?
Symptoms of abdominal separation includes
A visible bulge above and/or below your belly button
Coning or doming when you contract your abdominal muscles or leaning back in a chair
“Jelly” or softness feeling around your belly button
Difficulty lifting heavy objects, or even performing daily activities, feeling unstable around the tummy
Low back pain
If not treated properly, abdominal separation may lead to future health problems like incontinence or gastrointestinal issues.
How is abdominal separation being assessed?
Your physiotherapist, nurse, or doctor may assess it by obtaining multiple measurements above, around and below your belly button using equipment such as real-time ultrasound, caliper, or their fingers.
I am pregnant, is there anything I can do to prevent getting one?
Yes. You should practise specific abdominal exercises to strengthen the stabilising muscles around your abdomen. Clinical Pilates is usually recommended for this purpose.
I have never fallen pregnant, can I get abdominal separation?
Yes, men and nulliparous women can have abdominal separation. Some other causes for having DRA being:
Weightlifting and/or exercising with poor technique
Overweight / obesity
Family history of DRA
Some abdominal surgeries
What should I do if I have abdominal separation?
It is recommended to see a health professional (medical practitioner, nurse or physiotherapist) to get it assessed and to inform the best management individualised for you. The common conservative management consists of specific abdominal stabilisation exercises to regain transverse (horizontal) tension at the linea alba, as well as education on daily activities.
