Introduction
Pregnancy is a miraculous journey filled with physical changes that can sometimes bring discomfort and challenges. One such change that may occur is abdominal separation, also known as diastasis recti. This condition can affect pregnant women and may continue into the postpartum period. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy offers effective solutions for managing and treating diastasis recti. In this blog post, we will explore the nature of abdominal separation during pregnancy and discuss how working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help.
Understanding Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles, which run vertically down the center of the abdomen, separate along the midline. This separation can be attributed to the stretching and thinning of the linea alba, a connective tissue that joins these muscles together. Diastasis recti can lead to a protruding belly or “mommy tummy,” lower back pain, poor posture, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Some factors that contribute to diastasis recti during pregnancy include:
- Hormonal changes: Increased levels of hormones like relaxin cause the connective tissues to soften and become more prone to stretching and separation.
- Uterine expansion: As the uterus grows to accommodate the developing baby, it places pressure on the abdominal wall, causing the muscles to stretch and separate.
- Multiple pregnancies: Women who have had multiple pregnancies are at a higher risk of developing diastasis recti due to the repeated stretching of the abdominal muscles.
- Poor biomechanics or control of the deep core during daily activities.
While diastasis recti is a naturally occurring process to make room for the growing baby. Having optimal deep core and pelvic floor strength can reduce the likelihood of problems.
Working with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Addressing Diastasis Recti
A pelvic floor physical therapist specializes in treating pelvic floor and core muscle dysfunctions, making them well-equipped to address it. By working with a pelvic floor physical therapist, pregnant and postpartum women can benefit from:
- Individualized assessment and treatment plan: A pelvic floor physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of diastasis recti and develop a personalized treatment plan that caters to the individual’s needs and goals.
- Safe and effective exercises: A pelvic floor physical therapist can guide expectant and postpartum mothers through specific exercises designed to strengthen the deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis, while avoiding movements that could exacerbate the condition. These exercises can help to close the gap between the rectus abdominis muscles and improve overall core stability.
- Posture and body mechanics education: Proper posture and body mechanics play a crucial role in preventing and treating diastasis recti. Having a postural assessment, education and guidance on maintaining proper alignment and biomechanics during daily activities, such as lifting, bending, and carrying can drastically help symptoms.
- Postpartum recovery support: For women who have already given birth, a pelvic floor physical therapist can help in the postpartum recovery process by recommending appropriate exercises and offering support to ensure a safe and effective return to pre-pregnancy activities.
Conclusion
Diastasis recti is a common condition that can affect pregnant and postpartum women, leading to discomfort and challenges in daily life. By working with a pelvic floor physical therapist, expectant and postpartum mothers can receive the individualized care and guidance needed to effectively address diastasis recti. Through specialized exercises, posture and body mechanics education, and postpartum recovery support, women can regain their core strength, stability, and confidence as they navigate the incredible journey of motherhood.
Citations:
Benjamin, D. R., van de Water, A. T. M., & Peiris, C. L. (2014). Effects of exercise on diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle in the antenatal and postnatal periods: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 100(1), 1-8.
Sperstad, J. B., Tennfjord, M. K., Hilde, G., Ellström-Engh, M., & Bø, K. (2016). Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(17), 1092-1096.
Mota, P. G. F., Pascoal, A. G., Carita, A. I., & Bø, K. (2015). Prevalence and risk factors of diastasis recti abdominis from late pregnancy to 6 months postpartum, and relationship with lumbo-pelvic pain. Manual Therapy, 20(1), 200-205.
