Abdominal separation otherwise known as diastasis recti during pregnancy and post-partum is the widening of the linea alba which is the connective tissue that separates your rectus abdominus muscles. This is a natural condition where the abdominal muscles thin and the linea alba separates in order to accommodate for the growing baby during pregnancy. Patients with diastasis may experience feelings of weakness in the core, notice a bulge in their midsection or discomfort particularly during physical activity such as lifting a laundry basket. Physiotherapy can help manage your symptoms and reduce the abdominal separation. Your physiotherapist will provide you with education on how to modify certain movements such performing a log roll when getting out of bed rather than sitting up, they may provide you with abdominal support garments if required and get you started on a safe and graded strengthening program for your core muscles.
