When is postnatal physiotherapy recommended for diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. It can make the abdomen feel less supported and may affect rolling in bed, lifting, coughing, posture, or exercise. An assessment considers the abdominal wall, breathing pattern, scar tissue, pelvic floor, pain and daily activities rather than focusing only on the gap.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms persist, interfere with caring for your baby, or make returning to activity uncertain. A physiotherapist may teach pressure control, breathing, gradual deep-core work and safe lifting. Avoid exercises that cause doming, pain or heaviness, and progress only when your body responds comfortably.

Seek prompt medical advice for severe or increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, a painful bulge that does not settle, wound problems, or sudden loss of function. These features need medical assessment and should not be managed as routine postnatal strengthening.

Ask whether your symptoms fit diastasis recti, whether an examination is needed, which movements to pause, and how abdominal rehabilitation should fit around delivery recovery or a caesarean scar.