What should you know about supraumbilical diastasis recti?

The rectus muscles run down the front of the abdomen and are joined by a band of connective tissue. Stretching of this tissue can leave a gap above the navel, especially during or after pregnancy. You may notice doming when sitting up, coughing or lifting, reduced trunk strength, or a feeling that the abdomen is less supported. It is not the same as a hernia, although both can occur together.

A clinician or physiotherapist can assess the gap, muscle control, breathing and any pelvic-floor symptoms. The visible bulge alone does not show how well the muscles are functioning.

Move gradually and breathe out during effort rather than holding your breath. Roll to your side before getting out of bed, avoid straining, and pause an exercise if it causes doming, pain or pressure. Postnatal Physiotherapy can provide tailored abdominal and pelvic-floor rehabilitation, including progression as strength improves.

Recovery is individual. Your clinician can also check for a hernia or other cause if the bulge is painful, firm or present when you are relaxed.

Arrange assessment for persistent abdominal pain, a new or enlarging bulge, difficulty lifting or daily weakness. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, vomiting, a hard bulge that cannot be gently reduced, or skin colour change over it.

Ask whether the separation is above the navel, whether a hernia is also present, which movements to modify, and how to progress rehabilitation safely.