Weird ridge of muscle above baby bump - help!

[Raindog]

Hello
I'm nearly 20 wks pg and have recently noticed a really strange ridge or bulge of muscle (I think) that runs from below my ribs to my bellybutton. When I lean backwards it is really noticeable as it really sticks up. It doesn't hurt although the bottom bit does feel slightly tender if I press it. It also feels very tight, and I'm aware of it when I take a deep breath.

Is this something normal or should I be worried? I've read that your muscle (rectus muscle?) can split and form a ridge, but I thought that was underneath your bellybutton and not above it. I didn't think there WAS a muscle that ran straight down the middle!

I haven't been worried by anything so far, so maybe I'm just being paranoid. If anyone can reassure me I'd be really grateful!
Thanks

a friend of mine got the brown line in the place where you have the ridge and not below the belly button. the brown line is supposed to be because of the muscles splitting I think. I shouldn't think it is anything to worry about.

Hi Raindog - Not sure what this is but my stomach muscles 'split' and this was identified after the birth. It was above and below belly button. I got physio on the NHS but a bit of a wait so also booked a few private sessions to get things healing. It was not painful, just rather saggy (!) so I guess you should mention this to your MW when you see her.

Sorry to but in raindog, but wanted to ask strawberry something.

Strawberry, mine split too, but I didn't know there was anyting that could be done, and batttled on alone doing stomach exercised but have a rather odd shaped tummy and still feel the gap in my muscles. Am pg again, so not the time to be doing anything about it I guess, but next time I will ask for physio, did it help and is it easy to get?

Hi Pinkmama. Yes I think physio did help - they showed me the correct exercises to do (ie. not sit ups so soon after labour). When I was in hosp and the midwife examined my tummy, she asked the physio to come and see me. I then got appt with physio for 6 weeks later but in the meantime got referred by GP privately. It wasn't expensive (not covered by insurance).

Thanks Strawberry, maybe this pg will give me chance to start again with my muscles, I might invest in some physio (cheaper than a tummy tuck I imagine!).
Hope you ridge isn't painful Raindog, mine definately stuck out if I leant backwards, and was above my tummy button. Its worth mentioning to the midwife

Thanks everyone. It is a bit tight and uncomfortable in the mornings but usually improves towards the end of the day. I have been getting back pain though, which I guess would tie in with my stomach muscles not doing their job. Will book an appt right away!