Leg lifts and diastasis recti

Diastasis Recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the two sides of the abdominal muscles, often after pregnancy. During a leg lift, the abdominal muscles must control the weight of the legs; this can make the midline dome or bulge if pressure is not well managed.

A visible gap is not the only consideration. Pain, poor trunk control, back discomfort, pelvic-floor symptoms, or difficulty with everyday movements can affect exercise choices. The right level depends on your strength, healing, symptoms, and breathing pattern.

Start with breathing that lets your ribs and abdomen move without breath-holding. Try easier movements such as sliding one heel along the floor, then stop if the midline domes, you feel pain, or you lose control. Keep the movement small and progress only when the exercise remains comfortable.

Avoid forcing through a bulge or straining to complete repetitions. Postnatal Physiotherapy can assess your abdominal wall, breathing, pelvic floor, and movement technique, then tailor a gradual programme for your stage of recovery.

Stop the exercise and arrange advice if you develop persistent abdominal pain, a new or enlarging bulge, back pain, pelvic heaviness, urine leakage, or difficulty controlling the movement. Seek urgent care for severe pain, vomiting, a firm tender lump, or symptoms suggesting a hernia complication.

Ask whether your abdominal wall has healed enough for leg lifts, which variation is appropriate, and what signs mean you should reduce the load. Mention your delivery history, pain, bulging, pelvic-floor symptoms, and the movements that currently feel difficult.