Abdominal separation (diastasis recti) during pregnancy.

    Abdominal diastasis: what is this pregnancy complication?

    What is diastasis recti, or diastasis recti? Why is this muscular pathology more common during pregnancy? Is it possible to prevent diastasis? And how to treat it after childbirth? Let's take stock.

    Diastasis recti , also called diastasis recti , refers to the separation of the superficial abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominis, better known by the cute name of “six-pack abs”). These muscles are joined at the navel line, called the white line or linea alba, by connective tissue. Abdominal separation occurs when this tissue stretches excessively.

    Abdominal diastasis or diastasis recti: more common in pregnant women

    Diastasis of these muscles occurs mainly in two types of populations: newborns and pregnant women.

    In newborns, particularly  premature babies , the rectus abdominis are not always developed enough to be fused at the linea alba, the midline of the body.

    In pregnant women, or after pregnancy , the separation of the rectus abdominis is caused by their stretching, following the increase in uterine volume. The uterus exerts pressure on the abdominal muscles, which will stretch to make room for the baby . It is therefore a completely physiological phenomenon.

    It is estimated that at least 50 to 60% of pregnant women experience diastasis recti muscles during late pregnancy or the immediate postpartum period , that is, during the first days and weeks following delivery.

    Note that abdominal diastasis can also occur in people who have experienced very significant and very rapid weight gain.

    How do you know if you have diastasis recti?

    To know whether or not you have a pregnancy-related diastasis recti, it is advisable to wait until after you have given birth. However, during pregnancy , diastasis recti can be visible when the belly forms a “pointed” dome, rather than a well-rounded bump.

    After pregnancy, it is quite easy to see for yourself if you are suffering from a significant abdominal diastasis. Unless there are medical indications to the contrary (related to the caesarean scar , for example), simply lie comfortably on your back, then raise your head slightly, as if you were trying to sit up. With one hand, you then touch your abs at the navel. If you feel a gap between the two hard surfaces, on either side of the white line, the midline of the body, it is because you have an abdominal diastasis. It can be more or less significant depending on the size of the gap between the abs.

    Diastasis recti during pregnancy: risk factors

    Although no risk factor for diastasis has been clearly identified to date, several criteria appear to promote the appearance of diastasis during pregnancy:

• multiparity;
• a mother aged over 34;
• expecting a large baby ( fetal macrosomia );
• significant weight gain during pregnancy;
• a cesarean section;
• a multiple pregnancy;
• lack of exercise during pregnancy;
• a large abdominal circumference at the end of pregnancy.

    As it is not always easy to intervene on these criteria, we will especially ensure, during pregnancy, to maintain as much as possible a varied and balanced diet , and a physical activity adapted to prevent the risk of abdominal diastasis, if not limit it.

    How to get rid of diastasis recti?

    Abdominal diastasis occurring during pregnancy is not exceptional or abnormal . It generally diminishes over the weeks following delivery.

    However, it is possible to promote the reduction or even the disappearance of abdominal diastasis by ensuring:

• drink plenty of water;
• watch your posture, avoiding putting too much strain on the white line, especially by standing up straight;
• don't overwork your abs.

    After childbirth, two approaches coexist to reduce or even eliminate an abdominal diastasis: physiotherapy and abdominoplasty . Using specific and supervised physical exercises, physiotherapy will strengthen the abdominal belt and reduce the gap between the abdominal muscles. As for abdominoplasty , it is a surgery under general anesthesia consisting of bringing the abdominal muscles together using threads. However, it is only possible if you are not planning a new pregnancy, and is only covered by Social Security under certain conditions. Wearing an elastic abdominal sheath is necessary for one month after the procedure.