What should you know about prolonged diastasis recti?

The connective tissue along the centre of the abdomen can remain stretched, creating a ridge or hollow around the belly button when you sit up or tense your muscles. Some people notice reduced core support, back discomfort, difficulty lifting, or a feeling that the abdomen is not working as before. Diastasis recti is different from a hernia, although both can occur together. A clinician or physiotherapist can examine the abdominal wall and check whether pain, bulging, or weakness suggests another issue.

Book an assessment with a clinician or pelvic-health physiotherapist. Begin gentle breathing and deep abdominal activation as instructed, and roll to your side before getting out of bed. Exhale during effort and avoid exercises that cause doming, pain, or pressure until your technique is reviewed. A personalised programme may gradually restore coordination for lifting, coughing, and daily activity. Postnatal Physiotherapy can help guide this process, including after the early postpartum period.

Seek prompt care for a new hard or very painful lump, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, skin colour change, or a bulge that cannot be gently reduced. Arrange review if weakness interferes with walking, lifting, breathing, or caring for your baby, or if symptoms are worsening rather than settling.

Ask whether your symptoms fit diastasis recti or a hernia, which movements to pause, and how to rebuild core control safely. Ask when progression is appropriate and whether back or pelvic-floor symptoms should be assessed alongside the abdominal separation.