Diastasis recti

[abbyfromoz]

Has anyone heard of this? I have just googled it as after having DD (10.5lbs) almost 2 years ago my tummy is slim but still a strange shape... I can fit 2 fingers in the gap and have a naval hernia protruding....when i eat my tummy bloats up like when i was 5/6 months pregnant! Apparently you are not supposed to do tummy crunches (although i have!) i can't find out why this is not recommended... I am too annoyed to see the doc as last time i went (to discuss prolapse among other things) i was rebuffed by the gp without an examination and feel none of this will be taken seriously... Depressed about post baby body :(

Hi,

Sorry you had such a bad experience with your GP. I don't know too much about the hernia side of things, but it strikes me that you should at least have been examined and possibly a referral to specialist physio as a first step. Is there another GP at your practice you can see?

Unfortunately, I do know more about prolapse, having experienced multiple pelvic organ prolapse after having DD. What do you think is wrong? Again, I really don't think dismissing you is the right thing for a GP to do. Specialist physio may help you, or you may need to see a gynae.

Crunches aren't recommended for diastastis recti, as they can make it worse. It's the transverse abdominal muscles that you need to strengthen as these will hold things together. Once these are strong, then you can start doing (gentle!) crunches. Pilates should help (but let the instructor know you have a separation and a hernia). There are some videos on YouTube - just search for diastasis recti. But having said all this, I don't know whether the hernia means that even transverse abdominal exercises are a bad idea. A physio would be able to advise you.

This is a good thread for all things prolapse related:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1688913-Pt-7-Feb13-Any-old-prolapse-Uterus-womb-prolapse-rectocele-cystocele-enterocele-urethrocele-incontinence-pelvic-floor-anterior-and-posterior-repair-TVT-etc

There's lots of us there, with all sorts of different experiences, and we are very supportive .