One of the most common findings I’ve had with new mom’s, when discussing the health of their body is the new “Mom Tummy” they’ve acquired, and wondering if it will ever go away.
Sometimes it’s extra fat that got stored during pregnancy, and sometimes there’s a little bit more going on.
Sometimes the new shape of your belly is due to a condition called Diastasis Recti. This occurs when there is a separation with the rectus abdominus musculature. It often occurs during pregnancy. Its common, and its natural, as your body has had to accommodate the baby. In many women the space between the muscle rejoins, but in some women, it does not heal on its own.
The good news is that this can be fixed, and most women will benefit from conservative interventions. I know many women who seek solutions for their Diastasis Recti, are simply looking to improve the aesthetics. I mean I get it, many of us would love to have our pre-baby figure back, however, there are a few other considerations to take note of.
Women with an untreated Diastasis Recti, that are more likely to develop:
- Low back pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Hernias
- Herniated Disc
- Urinary and Fecal incontinence.
A Diastasis Recti, in many ways, is like a check engine light for the body, indicating that something is not functioning optimally, and if the condition remains, unchecked, other issues are likely to go awry.
If you have been diagnosed with a Diastasis Recti, I would recommend starting with learning to engage your deep core stabilizers (specifically Transverse Abdominus) to help improve your condition. This is a fantastic starting point for many women, and often all they need. I’ve linked a youtube video that gives a great demonstration on how to begin this exercise.
For many women engaging the Transverse Abdominus will be enough to encourage healing of the Diastasis Recti, but for some, additional avenues will need to be explored. Often times a professional assessment of your posture, breathings, and movement strategies will help you better find the corrective exercises you need for healing. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, I would recommend consulting with a physical therapist for a thorough musculoskeletal assessment.
As always, I love to hear you questions, thoughts, and concerns, so please email me at amanda@healthandhealingpt.com or call/text at 682-231-1607.