Diastasis recti: what every mother should know

As the uterus grows, the abdominal muscles move apart and the central connective tissue stretches. After birth, you may see a ridge when sitting up or lifting, feel reduced support, or notice back ache and pelvic-floor symptoms. A gap can also be present without causing trouble, so its appearance does not predict how well you are healing.

Recovery is influenced by the birth experience, healing, sleep, feeding, previous activity, and the demands of caring for a baby. These differences are normal reasons to seek individual advice.

Use side-rolling to get out of bed, breathe out during effort, and keep your baby or other loads close. Start with gentle activity that leaves you feeling supported, then add challenge gradually. Do not let social pressure push you into painful or forceful abdominal exercises.

Postnatal Physiotherapy can assess your abdominal and pelvic-floor function and help fit rehabilitation around feeding, lifting, and rest.

Arrange a review if pain, weakness, pelvic heaviness, urine leakage, or difficulty with childcare continues or interferes with your plans. Seek urgent care for severe worsening pain, vomiting, faintness, or a hard tender lump that remains prominent.

Does my examination suggest separation, a hernia, or both? What can I do while caring for my baby? Which activities are appropriate at this stage? How should I progress lifting and exercise? Which symptoms should prompt an earlier appointment?