Postpartum diastasis recti symptoms

Diastasis recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. After pregnancy, you may notice a ridge or doming down the centre of the tummy when sitting up, coughing or lifting. The abdomen may feel less supported, and the belly can remain rounded even after other postnatal changes settle.

Some people notice back discomfort, poor control during exercise, or difficulty transferring between lying, sitting and standing. Symptoms can overlap with pelvic-floor or hernia problems, so a visible shape change alone cannot confirm the cause.

Arrange an assessment with a doctor or physiotherapist if the change persists, causes discomfort or limits movement. The clinician may examine the abdominal wall while you move and ask about pregnancy, birth, pain, bladder or bowel symptoms and exercise goals.

Postnatal physiotherapy can teach breathing, deep abdominal control, posture and gradual strengthening matched to your recovery. Avoid exercises that repeatedly cause pronounced doming, pain or breath-holding until you have guidance. Move steadily, exhale with effort and use support when lifting your baby.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, a firm tender bulge that will not settle, fainting, fever or a wound problem after birth or surgery. These signs may point to a problem other than ordinary abdominal separation.

Arrange routine care when the gap or bulge is persistent, back or abdominal discomfort interferes with daily tasks, or returning to exercise feels unsafe. Prompt advice is especially useful when symptoms include bladder or bowel changes.

Ask: Does my examination suggest diastasis recti or another cause? Which movements should I modify? When can I progress strengthening? Could pelvic-floor symptoms be connected? Would Postnatal Physiotherapy suit my recovery and goals?