What should you know about diastasis recti getting worse?

A deeper ridge, more abdominal doming, aching, or a sense of pressure can appear after a change in exercise, lifting, coughing, constipation, sleep, or recovery demands. The sensation may reflect reduced coordination or fatigue rather than a simple change in the gap itself. Pregnancy, another pregnancy, abdominal surgery, and changes in training can alter how the abdominal wall handles pressure. New pain or a distinct tender lump should not automatically be attributed to diastasis recti, because other abdominal or pelvic conditions can look similar.

Pause the activity that clearly provokes symptoms and return to a level where you can breathe and control the movement. Exhale during effort, avoid straining, and address constipation with appropriate fluids, food, and medical advice when needed. Note when the change started, which task triggers it, and whether it settles with rest. Arrange Postnatal Physiotherapy or a medical review if the pattern continues, so loading and technique can be reassessed rather than abandoned altogether.

Arrange a timely review for worsening weakness, persistent pain, increasing pelvic pressure, new urinary or bowel difficulty, or a bulge that affects activity. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, vomiting, fever, faintness, or a hard tender bulge that does not reduce. Those warning signs need evaluation for causes beyond muscle separation.

Ask what changed in your abdominal function, whether another condition could explain the symptoms, and which loads to modify. Ask how to restart exercise, whether pelvic-floor assessment is relevant, and what improvement should feel like.