Is this diastasis recti?

[PishPashPop]

I had my children in quick succession in 2013,2015 and 2016. I had the flu in January and lost half a stone, that spurred me on to lose another 6lb. I'm 5'2 and 8st 8lb atm.

I've just assumed I've been a bit overweight from having the DC ( heaviest was 10st ) and I have PCOS and i know that can give you a rounded stomach

But I'm at a good weight for my height now, I'm in size 8/10 clothes, I'm very flat chested, my stomach sticks out more than my chest by far

I've recently come across diastasis recti, I can fit 2 fingers in a gap above and below my belly button but there seems to be a large empty space behind my belly button

From the description I think it could be diastasis recti.... what do you think? If not what is it?

And what can I do to fix this?

I've always felt uncomfortable about my body from being a teenager, now I'm quite proud of how slim I am every where else apart from my stomach, I'm embarrassed about it

Photos showing what my stomachs like if I let it hang loose and what it's like if I breathe it in

I've no idea, but I'm the same size and have the same belly going on.

I've not got a lot of subcutaneous fat on my belly. Certainly no more than the rest of me. But I look the way I did at 5 months pregnant with my first. I'm pretty sure it went back between pregnancies.

I'm happy with my weight, my general shape. I've been exercising with intent since January (running & weights). Including core/abdominal work. I spent a chunk of lockdown calorie counting/restricting which made no difference that was worth the effort. My arms, legs and glutes are stronger, muscles visible bigger (not a challenge, I was weak as a kitten before). But the belly does not shift.

I wonder if the core work has actually made it worse.

So a bump with interest!

You need to ask a doctor, not strangers on the internet.

This is on the list of Inconsequential Things I'm Not Going To Bother A Doctor With During A Pandemic.

I don't know about the OP but I'm happy to crowdsource some info first.

Hmm it’s not something that you can tell from photos (I’m postnatal fitness instructor).

You need to lie down and bend your knees. One hand behind your head and lift head and chest up. As you do this feel for the size of the gap from belly button right up to your rib cage. The belly button area is the last area to close up so this tends to be wider. You are looking for more than a two finger gap going upwards this. Less than two fingers is fine.

It is something that is best diagnosed by a physio though I guess it’s hard at the moment for face to face appointments.

If you do have it. No planks/ crutches etc.

Pilates is good if you work with a qualified post natal instructor. You need to strengthen the deep core muscles.

@lockheart the op is just asking others opinion!!
When you lean back can you see a cone shape/lump above your belly button like the photo below?

10st baby

You are looking for more than a two finger gap going upwards this. Less than two fingers is fine
please dont listen to this advice as it CAN still cause discomfort and a protruding belly

Op. It does sound and look like DR. Many videos on youtube to help you and self checks etc.

OP iv been wondering about the same thing for myself. If i bend over /forward i take a very painful muscle spasm just under or at the bottom of my ribcage from the middle to the left of my stomach. Could this be connected @Delatron

Looks just like what DD had after 2 DC's.
She had it surgically repaired last year.
It cost a fair bit but she is over the moon with the result.

The advice I offered was to see a physio and get it checked out! It’s quite hard to gauge by yourself. But officially less than 2 fingers is not considered abdominal separation. I wouldn’t recommend self diagnosis really. Check yourself then go see someone for confirmation and advice.

Love that I’m told off for saying go and see a physio yet the same poster tells you to look on You Tube to sort it 🙄.

@MrSnowmansCarrotStickNose it could well be but hard to tell over the internet. I think it’s shocking that in this country women aren’t checked routinely for abdominal separation after birth. They are in other countries like France.

I think if any bending over/ curling through the abdominals causes you any discomfort and pain it’s worth getting it checked out. Some physios specialise in this area.

Looks like diastasis recti to me, I'm the same and someone has recently recommended the MuTu system, can't vouch for it yet but am googling!

If it’s any consolation, you have a lovely tummy!

I had a ten cm split in mine when DD was born, it took a long time

Anyone done the MuTu system?

I'm similar in back to normal weight etc but have protruding belly 7 months pp with second baby. I am having women's health physio appointments on video calls - super helpful as she watches me doing the particular exercises etc and assesses what's wrong, instructs what to do etc. It's NHS. So perhaps you can get a phone/video appointment with GP and ask for a referral? I wasn't sure the video physio would be of any help as she can't physically check me etc, but actually it's been really really good and belly is starting to slowly go down. Hope of some help x

@JacksCreation I'm doing mutu - definitely made my core stronger but the feedback from video with physio and exercises she prescribed have made more difference with size of belly. Mutu great for accountability though - I like having a set of exercises to follow on video and tick off, a ready made programme

Possibly. Really hard to tell on a photo. Get an appointment with a womens health physio, they are the experts in this department (not a GP, though if you want a referral on the NHS you'll have to see your GP).

Hi I have diastasis recti ( diagnosed by gp and physio) and tbh it doesn’t look like this. My tummy is flat by dit’s in two halves

*but sits

I had a bit of diastisis after DD1 and could only see it if I laid down and lifted my shoulders up like a crunch. Your muscles stick up and you can see a separation

I’d also recommend a physio rather than a gp, and make sure that you work on your inner layer of muscles before attempting anything on your outer layer of muscles.

No sit ups!! If I’m remembering correctly, I had to start with kegel exercises then work up each layer of muscle at a time. Pilates is also great for strengthening your core and worked wonders for me, but I didn’t start that until after the physio so I don’t know if that’s recommended.

Good luck!

No sit ups!! If I’m remembering correctly, I had to start with kegel exercises then work up each layer of muscle at a time.

Yes that is what I was taught too. Nothing that bulges your stomach out like sit ups, crunches, plank etc.

Yes it does look like it. I had 3 like you in quick succession. I have a 6 finger gap. My physio said it's one of the worst she has seen. Currently trying to lose weight and after that an abdominalplasty

Thanks @delatron