Diastasis after a C-section: what to know

During pregnancy, the connective tissue between the two sides of the rectus abdominis can stretch as the uterus grows. A caesarean incision is made through the lower abdomen, but it is not the same thing as diastasis recti. You may notice a ridge or doming when sitting up, a softer midline, reduced trunk control or back discomfort. The visible gap does not by itself show how well your abdominal wall functions. A physical assessment can check tension, breathing, movement and pelvic-floor coordination.

Use slow movements when getting out of bed: roll to your side, breathe out and push up with your arms. Avoid straining or holding your breath when lifting your baby. Start gentle breathing and deep abdominal activation only when comfortable and medically appropriate, then build activity gradually. Stop an exercise that causes pain, marked doming or pressure. Postnatal Physiotherapy can provide an individual programme, especially if you have back pain, urine leakage, pelvic heaviness or difficulty returning to daily activities. Scar care should follow the instructions given by your maternity team.

Arrange an assessment if the bulge is painful, rapidly changing, associated with vomiting, or does not behave like a soft midline separation. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, a firm tender lump, inability to pass stool or gas, fever, wound opening or heavy bleeding. These features can point to a problem other than uncomplicated post-pregnancy muscle separation. Contact your maternity or primary-care team if pain or weakness is limiting walking, lifting, coughing or caring for your baby.

Ask whether your symptoms fit diastasis recti, whether the incision is healing normally, which movements are suitable now, and when a physiotherapy assessment would be useful. Mention any pain, pelvic-floor symptoms or difficulty with everyday tasks.