Diastasis Recti Abdominis

Understanding Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)

The Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is something to keep an eye on during pregnancy. It can affect a long list of secondary problems, more than just the appearance and general tone of a postnatal mom’s tummy. 

What is Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) ?

Diastasis Recti Abdominis is a midline separation at the linea alba of the recti muscles of the abdominal wall. A diastasis is a palpable midline gap of more than 2.5 cm or any visible bulging on exertion. DRA commonly occurs around the umbilicus but can occur anywhere between the xiphoid process and pubic bone. It is a result of abdominal musculature stretch weakness from maternal hormonal changes and increased tension by the growing uterus. DRA can occur in varying degrees during pregnancy and may not resolve spontaneously in the postpartum period. 

Symptoms of Diastasis Recti Abdominis

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) looks like a ridge, which runs down the middle of the belly area. It stretches from the bottom of the xiphoid process to the umbilicus and pubic bone and increases with muscle straining.

DRA commonly observed in women who have had multiple pregnancies. This causes a repeated stretching of the muscles. Extra skin and soft tissue in the front of the abdominal wall may be the only signs of this condition in early pregnancy. DRA usually appears in the second trimester. Its incidence peaks in the third trimester and remains high in the immediate postpartum period. The top of the pregnant uterus usually bulges out of the abdominal wall in the later part of pregnancy. An outline of parts of the unborn baby may see in severe cases. This phenomenon is common in multi-parous mothers, as the linea alba repeatedly stretched. The occurrence and size of DRA are much greater in non-exercising pregnant women than in exercising pregnant women. 

This separation of the rectus abdominis muscle can cause an array of problems. Without the dynamic stabilisation that the abdominal muscles normally provide, weakness in the abdominal wall can jeopardize trunk stability and mobility; contribute to back pain, compromising posture, pelvic floor dysfunctions, hernia, cosmetic defects and vaginal delivery. Back and/or pelvic pains are the most common manifestation of a DRA. A retrospective study done in 2007 by  Spitznagle et al examined the prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in a urogynecological patient population and found 66% of all patients with DRA had support-related pelvic floor dysfunction (SPFD) diagnoses of stress urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapsed. 

Diagnosing Diastasis Recti Abdominis

Ultrasonography (real-time ultrasound imaging) is an accurate method to measure rectus diastasis above the umbilicus and at the umbilical level. However, a health provider can conduct a quick palpation test to assess for Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA). DRA is difficult to find on a relaxed abdomen. A slight head lift in crook lying will require a rectus abdominis contraction and will allow for assessment of the DRA. A small separation of the midline at the abdominals, approximately one to two fingers’ width, is common after most pregnancies and is not a problem. But if the gap at the midline is: 

• more than 2 1/2 finger-widths 
• does not shrink as the patient tightens her abdominals or 
• a small mound protruding at her midline 

then she probably has DRA and needs to take a few special precautions during exercise and other activities.

DRA is present if you can fit two or more fingers (width-wise) into the space superior to the umbilicus. On further abdominal contraction, the gap should close, however, if there is still a gap larger than 1 finger wide, it is a positive DRA. This test administered in postpartum women to check the integrity of the recti abdominis. This test may, however, conducted in post-caesarean women only after their incision had healed, about 6-10 weeks after the operation. 

Special Precautions for Women with Abdominal Separation/Diastasis Recti

Avoid all activities that place stress on the midline, that stretch or overly expand the abdominal wall through everyday activities.

• Some Types of Movement to Avoid 
• Repetitive trunk movements or diagonal twists i.e. during a tennis serve. 
• Exercises that require lying backwards over a large exercise ball. 
• Yoga postures stretch the abs, such as “cow pose,” “up-dog,” all backbends, and “belly breathing.” 
• Abdominal exercises that work the exterior abdominal muscles, such as crunches and oblique curls. 
• Exercises that cause the abdominal wall to bulge out upon exertion. 
• Lifting and carrying very heavy objects. 
• Intense coughing while abdominal muscles unsupported. 

Tip: After childbirth, if the patient develops a cough from allergies or a respiratory illness, such as a cold or flu, advise her to place her hands across her belly and support her abdomen firmly (manual splinting) during coughing episodes. This will provide needed additional support, and prevent further separation of her Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA).

Management

Conservative management, such as specific therapeutic exercises directed by a physiotherapist, or health care professional well-acquainted with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), is usually the first line of intervention. These exercises focus on strengthening the deep core muscles. Such muscles include the transverses abdominis and pelvic floor muscles. Poorly executed abdominal exercises can cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, this force may cause further recti separation and its accompanying bulge/hernia to worsen.

Hence, it is important to monitor DRA (and the hernia if any) before prescribing any abdominal exercises. Unsuitable abdominal exercises include sit-ups, straight leg raises and Pilates movements i.e. “the 100s” These and trunk rotation activities, such as criss-cross sit-ups which target the obliques, can strain the abdominals excessively. Weakness in the core muscles contributes to insufficient force closure of the sacroiliac joint leading to pelvic instability, which can eventually lead to lower back and hip pain.

In the worst-case scenario, this recti separation can result in a hernia.  Hence, once a diastasis is identified, the female patient asked to book an initial appointment with the physiotherapist between 2 to 3 weeks after delivery. Follow-up visits made at 2, 3 or 4-week intervals depending on: i) the condition of the patient’s abdominal musculature, ii) the ability of the patient to comprehend the exercise program, and iii) the compliance of the patient to follow through.

At the initial visit, the patient is given instructions on i) correct body mechanics, ii) proper posture, iii) appropriate exercises to activate the abdominal musculature, and iv) appropriate exercises to re-approximate the recti bellies without increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

At each subsequent visit, the patient is taught i) to retrain the concentric and eccentric control of the abdominal musculature and ii) to simulate the functional role of the abdominal musculature in trunk stabilization.

Certain physical activities and sports at home and in the community also recommended at subsequent visits. Assistive abdominal supports/ splints recommended. The patient discharged when the diastasis is closed or bridged together. 

Prognosis

The patient usually does very well. In most cases, recti diastasis usually heals on its own over a postpartum period of 6 weeks to 3 months. However, Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) may also persist long after the woman delivered. If so, further intervention may be required. This is so if the recovery of DRA does not occur. Specific therapeutic exercises may help improve the condition. An umbilical hernia may occur in some cases. If pain is present, surgery may be needed. In general, complications only result when a hernia develops. 

Conclusion

Women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) were more likely to be older and of higher parity, have had twins, bigger babies, and birth by caesarean section. Studies suggested that earlier recovery may be associated with lower parity, singleton births, weight gain under 35 pounds, birth weight of baby <3.7 kg, increased activity levels before, during and after pregnancy. Clinically, good compliance with the treatment program and early initiation of treatment may also enhance recovery. Therefore, prophylactic measures, such as routine screening/identification of DRA and subsequent DRA management to all mothers during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum period may be beneficial in the long run.

Why Choose Us?

Our Physiotherapy team is experienced in treating postnatal and prenatal health-related conditions and has had remarkable success in resolving such cases.

If you or a loved one are experiencing pain and need help with these conditions, do get in touch with us and book an appointment with us.

References:

1. Anderson, DM. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.
2. Boissonnault J.S. & Blaschak M.J. Incidence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis During the Childbearing Year. Physical Therapy July 1988vol. 68 (7), p 1082-1086
3. Chiarello, C. M. Research Study: The Effects of an Exercise Program on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Pregnant Women. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy: 2005:29(1), p 11–16. 
4. Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.
5. Mendes D.A. et al. Ultrasonography for measuring rectus abdominis muscles diastasis. Acta Cir Bras. 2007:22(3):p 182-6.
6. Spitznagle T.M., Leong F.C. and Van Dillen L.R. Prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in a urogynecological patient population. International Urogynecology Journal 2007: 18(3), p 321-328, DOI: 10.1007/s00192-006-0143-5