Diastasis rectus, or abdominal separation, is when the muscles covering the front of the belly separate. It is common in newborns and pregnant women, and is usually not life-threatening. It can be diagnosed with a physical exam and may resolve on its own, but surgery may be needed if a hernia develops. Excessive pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy can cause the condition.
Diastasis rectus, also commonly known as abdominal separation, is a condition in which the right and left sides of the muscle that covers the front of your belly, called the rectus abdominis, separate. It is most commonly found in newborns, especially premature babies or those of African American descent, and pregnant women. Diastasis rectus is usually only a cosmetic problem and is not typically life threatening or life threatening.
From the outside of a child’s body, diastasis recti has a ridge-like appearance. It is located in the middle of the belly and runs approximately from the navel down to the breastbone. The size of the ridge depends on how much the muscle is straining in a particular area. Often the crest can be so thin that it can only be seen easily when the child is held in a sitting position.
In women who are in the early stages of pregnancy, the signs of diastasis recti may appear as extra soft tissue and skin on the anterior abdominal wall. This can develop into a swelling of varying size, depending on the severity of the condition. In the most extreme cases, parts of the baby may be seen sticking out in a bulge, while in other situations, it may only be possible to see part of the uterus.
Diastasis rectus is a common condition, which can be diagnosed with a physical exam, and is not serious or life-threatening. If a patient has previously had abdominal surgery, a doctor will usually need to rule out incisional or epigastric hernia before making a diagnosis. An ultrasound can help clarify the diagnosis if this occurs.
The condition usually eventually resolves without intervention. Women who have given birth can help speed up the healing process by regularly performing a series of exercises known as the Tupler technique. The most common possible complication is when a hernia grows between the muscles before they can bind. This is typically corrected with surgery.
Diastasis rectus is most commonly caused by excessive pressure on the abdominal wall during pregnancy. For this reason, any type of exercise or activity that causes prolonged or severe tension in the abdomen is generally not recommended for women who are in their second trimester of pregnancy. Repeated pregnancies or the strain of carrying multiple fetuses can also increase your chances of getting the condition.
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