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Le abdominal diastasis, also called great right diastasis, designates the separation of the superficial abdominals (the rectus abdominis, known under the pretty name of “chocolate bars”). These muscles are united at the navel line, called the white line or linea alba, by connective tissue. Separation of the abdominals occurs when this tissue stretches excessively.
The diastasis of these muscles occurs mainly in two types of populations: newborns and pregnant women.
In newborns, especially in premature infants, the rectus abdominis is not always fully developed to be fused at the level of the linea alba, the midline of the body.
In pregnant women, or after pregnancy, the separation of the rectus abdominis is caused by their stretching as a result of the increase in uterine volume. The uterus puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, which will stretch to make room for the baby. It is therefore a completely physiological phenomenon.
It is estimated that at least 50 to 60% of pregnant women have diastasis of the rectus muscles at the end of pregnancy and during the immediate postpartum period, that is, the first days and weeks after childbirth.
Note that an abdominal diastasis can also occur in people who have undergone a very significant and very rapid weight gain.
How do you know if you have abdominal diastasis?
To find out whether or not you have a diastasis of the rectus abdominis linked to a pregnancy, it is first of all advisable to wait until you have given birth. During pregnancy, abdominal diastasis may be visible when the belly forms a “pointed” dome rather than a well rounded bump.
After pregnancy, it is quite easy to see for yourself whether or not you have significant abdominal diastasis. Unless otherwise medically indicated (relating to the caesarean scar in particular), all you have to do is lie on your back comfortably, then lift your head slightly as if you were trying to go into a sitting position. With one hand, we then touch his abdominals at the level of the navel. If one feels a void between the two hard surfaces on either side of the white line, the midline of the body, it is because there is an abdominal diastasis. It can be larger or smaller depending on the size of the gap between the abdominals.
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis during pregnancy: risk factors
While no risk factor for diastasis has been clearly identified to date, several criteria seem to increase the risk during pregnancy:
- – multiparity;
- – an age greater than 34 years;
- – expecting a big baby (fetal macrosomia);
- – significant weight gain during pregnancy;
- -a cesarean section;
- -a multiple pregnancy;
- -a lack of exercise during pregnancy;
- -a large abdominal circumference at the end of pregnancy.
As it is not always easy to intervene on these criteria, we will take care especially during pregnancy to maintain as much as possible a varied and balanced diet, and an adapted physical activity to prevent the risk of abdominal diastasis, if not to limit it. .
How to eliminate a diastasis of the great rights?
First of all, it is essential to remember that the abdominal diastasis occurring during pregnancy is nothing exceptional or abnormal. And this diastasis of the major rights generally subsides over the weeks following childbirth.
However, it is possible to promote the attenuation, or even the disappearance of abdominal diastasis, by ensuring:
- -to drink a lot of water ;
- -monitor your posture by avoiding putting too much strain on the white line, in particular by standing straight;
- -do not strain your abdominals too much.
After childbirth, two approaches coexist to reduce or even eliminate abdominal diastasis: physiotherapy and abdominoplasty.
Using specific and supervised physical exercises, physiotherapy will strengthen the abdominal belt and reduce the gap between the abdominals.
As for the abdominoplasty, it is a surgery under general anesthesia consisting in bringing the abdominal muscles together with the help of threads. However, it is only possible if a new pregnancy is not envisaged, and is only covered by Social Security under certain conditions. Wearing an elastic abdominal sheath is necessary for a month after the procedure.