What causes diastasis recti?

Pregnancy is a frequent setting because the growing uterus stretches the abdominal wall and pregnancy hormones make supporting tissues more flexible. It can also occur outside pregnancy when repeated or sustained pressure exceeds the tissue's ability to manage it.

The rectus muscles run vertically on either side of the abdomen. Between them is a band of connective tissue called the linea alba. When this band widens and becomes less firm, the abdomen may dome or ridge during sitting up, coughing or lifting.

A visible gap does not by itself show how well the abdominal wall functions. Symptoms can include a sense of weakness, difficulty controlling pressure during movement, or discomfort in the abdomen or back. An assessment considers tissue tension, movement and symptoms as well as width.

Reduce unnecessary straining by breathing out during effort, rolling onto your side before rising from bed, and avoiding breath-holding when lifting. Treat constipation and scale exercises down if they cause pronounced doming, pain or pelvic heaviness.

A physiotherapist can check breathing, abdominal coordination, pelvic-floor function and lifting technique. Rehabilitation is usually progressive: the aim is better control and load tolerance, not simply closing a measured gap.

Arrange an assessment if pain, ongoing weakness, urinary leakage, pelvic pressure or difficulty with everyday movement is limiting you. Seek urgent medical care for a new painful bulge that becomes firm, cannot be gently reduced, or occurs with vomiting, because this can indicate a hernia complication rather than uncomplicated muscle separation.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a hernia, which movements currently overload your abdominal wall, and whether pelvic-floor or postnatal physiotherapy fits your needs. You can also ask how to return gradually to lifting, running or strength training without provoking doming or pain.