Diastasis is the abnormal separation of muscle groups or other anatomical structures, including diastasis rectum, which commonly affects pregnant or postpartum women, and symphysis pubis diastasis, which impacts the pelvic bones. Surgery is sometimes used to remedy the separation of abdominal muscles, but most women recover naturally through exercise. Diastasis recti in infants usually corrects itself, but corrective surgery may be needed if a hernia is present.
Diastasis is a medical term that refers to the abnormal separation of muscle groups or other anatomical structures. One of the most common forms is diastasis rectum, also known as diastasis abdominis, which frequently affects pregnant or postpartum women. However, it can also occur in newborns due to incomplete development of the abdominal muscles. In both cases, the condition is characterized by a separation of the muscles where they are normally joined by the band of connective tissue called the linea alba.
In pregnant or postpartum women, separation of the abdominal muscles occurs due to the region expanding in response to a growing uterus. It can also occur from sudden, strenuous or repeated physical exertion. The separation typically produces a ridge-like swelling that can be felt by hand or, in some cases, may even be visibly noticeable. In postpartum women, a simple self-test to check for this condition is to lie on the floor with knees bent and one hand on the abdomen while lifting the head and shoulders slightly, as if you were just entering a sit up exercise or crunches. If a gap more than two fingers wide is found, the condition is likely present.
A related condition known as symphysis pubis diastasis can also impact pregnant or postpartum women. This condition is characterized by an exaggerated separation of the pelvic bones. Normally, hormones such as relaxin secreted during pregnancy trigger the stretching of the fibrous ligaments that support the pelvic bones, causing a separation between them from a pre-pregnancy average of 0.20 inch (5 mm) to 0.35 inch (9 mm) per accommodate baby and facilitate delivery. Expansion of bones beyond this range, or complete separation due to physical injury or trauma, typically results in impaired motion and chronic pain. The condition is usually treated with the application of a pelvic belt and bed rest or, in some cases, surgical pelvic fixation.
Surgery to remedy the separation of the abdominal muscles that occurs after childbirth is also sometimes addressed with a tummy tuck, a procedure commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. However, unless a ruptured hernia or complete separation of the muscles is indicated, most women recover naturally by engaging in regular exercises intended to target the abdomen. If needed, the woman may choose to see a therapist who specializes in physical therapy and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Generally, diastasis recti in infants is not a cause for concern as the condition usually corrects itself as the child physically matures. However, if a hernia is present within the abdominal wall, corrective surgery may be indicated. It should also be noted that while this condition is quite common in newborns, it occurs more frequently in premature babies and those of African-American ancestry.
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