Separated abdominal muscles?

[Teachtolive]

Hi all, I had my 2nd child about 5 months ago and my figure is very slow to return to normal. After my first, who is now nearly 3 it didn't take me very long to look relatively back to myself.

I've got a much bigger belly this time and I know my ab muscles definitely separated as a physio checked me after birth. I can't tell for myself if they're still separated as I can feel the mid line and a tiny dip but I'm not sure if the dip is just cos I'm not used to my stomach being as flabby as it is.

Planking really helped me get my figure back last time but I don't want to do it in case the muscles are still separated. Has anyone any advice on how I can tell for definite? Thanks

[Tricksy12345]

Google 'Diastasis recti' I found a video that teaches you how to check the width of separation. It's easy to remember once you've first watched it.
I have separated stomach muscles. I've read books and tried certain exercises but cannot get it to close. I still look pregnant. My core just feels so weak, there's no support. I'm suffering with back ache because of it. I've been referred for physio and have my appointment in a few weeks.
There's certain exercises that will make the muscles separate even more. The doctors just put it down to one of those things after having a baby and told me to take pain relief for the back ache. The majority of people I've come across don't have much info on it. I found out more through online forums and speaking to others with the same issue.
I wore a waist training belt for a few hours a day for a few days. I didn't see any physical difference as I think it's too soon, but I did feel like it was giving me a bit more support

[Star8818]

i had a diastasis. It was 10cm at its worse. I started with a personal trainer who knew a lot about it and he set me up with some very specific exercises. After 6months of 1to1 and group session 3x a week I had it closed to 1cm - apparently it will never heal completely and my nerves are starting to heal now (took 2 1/2 years to get feeling back over the abdominal muscles as nerves heal very slowly)
Find a really good personal trainer who knows exactly what they're looking at and how to treat it and it will close no problem - do the wrong exercises and it will make it worse however

[Teachtolive]

Thanks for the replies. Tricksy I'll check out that video, thanks. Good luck with your appointment. I believe in severe cases they can be closed with surgery so that option might be open to you.

Star I'm actually looking into PT in the next few months so hopefully I can find one as good as yours. It's good to know it can be so effective!