diastisis recti

[buttershy]

Hi all,

I have SPD and saw a physio a few weeks ago for it. I mentioned during my session that I had noticed that when I 'engage' my core, ie lowering myself from sitting to lying down on the bed, or if I lean backwards standing up that my tummy goes into an incredibly strange triangluar shape. She said it was called diastisis recti, separation of the abdominal muscles and that it was more common in petite women (I'm 5ft 2) and generally fairly small all over. She said she would see me again after the birth to help give me some exercises to help it to close up. I've done a bit of reading since and it looks quite depressing in that exercise only has limited success. I'm only 25 and I don't want my body to be totally ruined, I'm already a self conscious person and I hate the idea of always hating something about me. The pictures on google images look so scary :( I am 35wks and have put on 10kg (approx up from 8st 12 to 10st 2).

I am wondering if anyone else has had diastisis recti, if they were diagnosed before or after baby being born and if anything can help, such as a belly support band after birth.

Thanks

[buttershy]

Oh and my baby is measuring 2.5 weeks 'behind' so not a big baby.

[howabout]

It is extremely common. I have had it and even though I was 43 last time round it was all back to normal within a year. Please don't worry and follow your physios guidance. I think a belly support now (also good for coping with SPD) is good and support pants after also help. Very important not to do Abs exercises before sorting the foundation underneath first. The exercises in the NHS leaflet appear very unstrenuous but are very effective along with time and not overdoing heavy lifting etc until fully recovered.

[buttershy]

Thanks that's very encouraging :) yes from what I read it did look like i would need some 'professional guidance' before starting on some exercise as I would hate to make it worse especially if it was to cause me any further problems relating to the SPD. Do you have any recommendations for a bump support band after birth? Quite a few available and not sure which is the best for this particular issue. Glad to hear it's common, she didn't seem alarmed at all but Google made me panic thinking I was going to have a huge wrinkled whole in my stomach or a permanent bump. Although I'm slim I've always had a rounded tummy so it's probably my own fault for never working out or having a strong core.

[howabout]

Ask your MW or physio as they may even provide you with a bump support - and don't forget your kegels just now

[KatyN]

I had this and the physio exercises helped massively. I just did tiny sit ups (a few inches off the floor), but after my son was born. Very occasionally if imve been carrying something heavy for a long time I notice the pain again jut a few days of exercises gets me back to normal
K

[CurlieWhirlie]

I have it too. I had my baby last year and have a two finger gap. To be honest it hasn't bothered me until now as I've lost weight and really want to get a flatter tummy. There are some brilliant videos in YouTube. I started doing the exercises on Monday and already I can feel a difference. Don't despair, it is so common and it can be sorted.