What should you know about diastasis recti signs during pregnancy?

As the uterus grows, the abdominal wall stretches and the connective tissue along the centre can become thinner and more yielding. You may see a ridge or tent-like bulge when rising from a bed, coughing or tensing the abdomen. Some people notice a softer feeling around the midline, reduced core control, back discomfort or pelvic pressure. These changes can overlap with ordinary pregnancy body changes, so they do not confirm diastasis recti by themselves. The appearance can also change with posture, breathing and the stage of pregnancy.

Tell your maternity clinician or a pelvic-health physiotherapist about persistent doming, pain or difficulty with daily movement. Breathe continuously, exhale with effort, and turn onto your side before pushing up from bed. Choose comfortable, supported positions and avoid repeatedly straining through a held breath. A tailored Postnatal Physiotherapy service may be discussed after birth; during pregnancy, ask for guidance suited to your current stage and symptoms.

Contact your maternity team promptly for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, faintness, or reduced fetal movement according to the advice you have been given. For the abdominal wall itself, seek review for a painful or firm bulge, rapidly worsening weakness, or symptoms that make walking or basic tasks difficult.

Ask whether your symptoms fit abdominal wall separation or another condition, which positions and exercises are appropriate, and how to protect your back and pelvic floor during lifting. Ask when a postnatal assessment would be useful and what changes should prompt an earlier review.