What should you know about diastasis recti and the stomach?

Diastasis recti involves the connective tissue between the two long abdominal muscles, rather than a problem inside the stomach. The abdomen may look rounded, feel soft along the centre, or form a ridge when you sit up, cough or lift. Reduced coordination can make bracing, carrying and changing position feel harder. Back aching, pelvic-floor symptoms or a sense of abdominal pressure may occur alongside it, but not everyone has symptoms. Bloating, weight change and a hernia can create a similar outline, which is why a visible stomach shape cannot identify the cause on its own.

Track whether the shape changes with posture, breathing or a particular task, and mention any pain or pressure at an appointment. Use your arms and legs to help with bed transfers, breathe out during lifting, and avoid repeatedly forcing the abdomen outward. A pelvic-health physiotherapist can teach graded deep-core and whole-body movements. Postnatal Physiotherapy is one treatment pathway to discuss when relevant.

Book an assessment for ongoing abdominal weakness, pain, pelvic pressure, or a bulge that is changing or limiting activity. Get urgent medical help for sudden severe pain, vomiting, fever, faintness, or a hard tender lump that does not settle, because these features need more than routine muscle rehabilitation.

Ask what is causing the abdominal contour, whether a hernia needs checking, and which movements are safe for your current strength. Ask how frequently to practise rehabilitation, what improvement should feel like, and when persistent symptoms warrant another examination.