Muscle separation in pregnancy: what to know

The two main abdominal muscles are joined by a band of connective tissue. Pregnancy can stretch this tissue as the abdomen expands, sometimes creating a ridge or gap along the centre when you sit up or tighten your muscles. You may notice reduced core support, back discomfort, or difficulty with everyday movements, although some people have few symptoms.

This change does not by itself determine how you will give birth. It is separate from pre-eclampsia, which is a pregnancy blood-pressure condition, and it is not caused by oxytocin used in labour care.

Roll onto your side before getting out of bed, use your arms to help with transfers, and avoid breath-holding while lifting. Gentle walking and comfortable pregnancy exercises can support function. A physiotherapist or maternity clinician can teach breathing, posture, and deep abdominal exercises suited to your stage of pregnancy.

Avoid exercises that create doming, pain, or pressure through the abdomen, and do not repeatedly test the gap. After birth, postnatal physiotherapy can assess strength, pelvic-floor function, and return to activity. A caesarean section is not a treatment for abdominal muscle separation.

Tell your maternity team about persistent pain, a painful bulge, marked weakness, difficulty walking, or symptoms that limit daily activities. Seek urgent pregnancy care for severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, contractions, reduced fetal movement, severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling.

Can you examine my abdominal wall and check whether the symptoms fit muscle separation? Which exercises are suitable now? When should I be referred for postnatal physiotherapy, and which pregnancy warning signs should prompt urgent contact?