How Do You Recover From Diastasis Recti?
Postpartum women must be aware of diastasis recti, a condition in which the left and right side of the rectus abdominal muscle separate. The increased tension on the abdominal muscles puts a woman at risk for diastasis recti, especially after multiple pregnancies. The separation appears as a vertical ridge that runs down the center of the belly. Diastasis recti looks discouraging, but there is help for a “mummy tummy.” Allow your body to rest for 6 weeks postpartum. Pregnancy hormones that contribute to muscle elasticity subside after this period. Use abdominal binders as a temporary comfort measure in the first few months after childbirth. Binders keep the diastasis from getting bigger when the muscles are the weakest. Hold the belly button close to the spine when lifting, sneezing or even resting. This gentle isometric exercise prevents the diastasis from getting larger. Ask your doctor to confirm a diagnosis of diastasis recti at your postpartum checkup. The doctor can assess the se
