What should you know about degrees of diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti, also called abdominal separation, involves stretching of the connective tissue between the two sides of the rectus abdominis. A clinician may assess the gap and how firm the tissue feels while you gently lift your head or tighten your abdomen. The finding can vary along the midline, so the upper abdomen, level of the navel, and lower abdomen may not show the same degree.

Some people notice a ridge or doming during movement, reduced trunk support, back discomfort, or difficulty coordinating the abdominal wall. The size of a gap alone does not show how well the muscles work, whether a hernia is present, or which exercises are suitable.

A postnatal physiotherapy assessment can check breathing, posture, abdominal control, pelvic-floor coordination, and movement patterns. Begin with gentle activities that allow the abdominal wall to stay controlled, and exhale during effort. Avoid exercises that repeatedly cause pronounced doming or strain until a clinician has reviewed your technique. Progress should be based on control and comfort rather than on a measurement alone.

Arrange an assessment for persistent pain, a new or enlarging bulge, marked weakness, or difficulty returning to everyday movement. Seek urgent care for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or a tender bulge that does not settle, as these symptoms need assessment for other abdominal problems.

Ask where the separation is greatest, whether muscle tension and function are affected, which movements to modify, how to progress rehabilitation, and whether another abdominal condition should be checked.