Penyebab diastasis recti: what to know

During pregnancy, the expanding uterus and hormonal changes place more demand on the abdominal wall. The two sides of the rectus abdominis can move farther apart as the midline connective tissue stretches. Separation may be more noticeable after birth, especially when trunk control is reduced or pressure is poorly coordinated.

Diastasis recti can also relate to repeated heavy straining, rapid changes in abdominal load, or exercises performed with breath-holding and forceful pressure. It is not a sign that someone has failed to exercise correctly. A visible ridge, soft midline, back discomfort, or difficulty using the trunk can have several explanations.

Use slow breathing during movement and exhale through effort instead of holding your breath. Modify exercises that cause pain or pronounced doming, and use side-rolling to get out of bed. Postnatal physiotherapy can assess abdominal pressure, posture, pelvic-floor coordination, and lifting technique, then build a gradual programme that matches healing and daily demands.

Arrange an assessment if the separation or bulging concerns you, affects lifting or movement, or occurs with persistent back or pelvic pain. Seek prompt care for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, a firm tender bulge, or difficulty passing urine or stool.

Ask whether your symptoms are consistent with diastasis recti, how your abdominal wall should be assessed, and which activities to modify. Ask when to begin strengthening, how to progress safely, and whether pelvic-floor or postnatal physiotherapy would be useful.