What is a diastasis?
Diastasis is a separation of the outer rectus abdominis muscle that often occurs during pregnancy. You can check for it before or after you give birth: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your fingertips horizontally 2 inches above or below your navel. Exhale as you slowly lift just your head. Press gently and feel for a separation the width of three fingers or more and a soft area in the middle; that s a diastasis. After checking, roll to one side and use your arms to push yourself up to a seated position. Safety note: If you feel dizzy, roll to one side. Do not remain in the back-lying position for more than 10 seconds. If you have a diastasis: Avoid doing twisting exercises and remember to draw your navel toward your spine before getting up or down from a seated position or lifting objects. Also try splinting, which can keep the separation from getting larger. How to splint for a diastasis: A splint is simply a piece of cloth that can be used to
