What should you know about postpartum abdominal muscle separation?

During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches the connective tissue between the two vertical abdominal muscles. After birth, the area may feel soft or less supported, and a ridge or doming can appear when you sit up, cough, or strain. Some people notice back discomfort, difficulty lifting, or changes in posture; others have no pain. A visible gap alone does not show how well the muscles are functioning, so an examination can be more useful than repeated self-checks.

Arrange an assessment with a physiotherapist or clinician familiar with postnatal recovery, especially if weakness or discomfort affects movement. [Postnatal Physiotherapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/postnatal-physiotherapy/) may teach breathing, deep abdominal activation, posture, and gradual strengthening. Begin with controlled movements and avoid exercises that cause pain, pronounced doming, breath-holding, or pressure downward. Roll to your side to get out of bed, lift with help when possible, and increase activity in stages according to your recovery.

Ask for assessment if the separation is painful, worsening, or associated with a firm bulge, marked weakness, pelvic-floor symptoms, or difficulty doing daily tasks. Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fainting, fever, heavy bleeding after birth, or a bulge that becomes very tender and cannot be gently eased. These symptoms need evaluation because they may have causes beyond muscle separation.

Ask: Can you assess my abdominal wall and pelvic floor? Which exercises are appropriate now? What movements should I modify? How should I progress lifting and sport? Which symptoms mean I should stop exercising and call?