Diastasis is the consequence of too much stretching in the muscles of the abdomen. It results in a pathological separation of the rectus abdominis muscle, formerly known as the rectus abdominis. The diastasis of the rectus abdominis is often observed in women at the end of pregnancy and after childbirth. Its management is essentially based on physiotherapy exercises.

Definition of diastasis

Diastasis, or diastasis recti, corresponds to a pathological separation or separation of the rectus abdominis muscle. More often known as the rectus muscle, the latter is a pair muscle located in the front of the abdomen. It is positioned on either side of the white line, that is to say the midline of the abdomen which starts at the level of the rib cage and extends to the pubis. The rectus abdominis muscle generally extends the same distance as the white line.

Normally, the right and left parts of the large right are joined at the white line. It happens in some cases that they separate. We speak of diastasis, a gap that is sometimes called diastasis of the rectus abdominis or abdominal diastasis in everyday language.

Diastasis is the consequence of too much stretching of the abdominal muscles. The diagnosis is based on a clinical examination supported by questioning to identify the cause and assess the risk of complications.

People affected by diastasis

Diastasis mainly concerns pregnant women because the development of the fetus tends to stretch the abdominal muscles. If it occurs during pregnancy, it is often seen during the postpartum period, that is, the period from childbirth to the return of menstruation.

It is also possible to see diastasis in some newborns when the rectus abdominis muscle is not yet fully developed. Finally, this muscle separation can appear after a very significant weight loss. It is not due to this weight loss, but to the previous stretching caused by the weight gain.

Risk factors for diastasis

To date, no risk factor has been clearly established. However, several hypotheses have been put forward regarding diastasis in pregnant women:

• age;
• multiple pregnancies;
• weight gain during pregnancy;
• cesarean section;
• the high birth weight of the baby.

Separation of the great right

Diastasis is characterized by the separation of the left and right parts of the right. It appears as a soft bulge at the midline of the abdomen. It can be more or less consistent. It is generally accentuated during muscular effort and is attenuated, or even disappears at rest. 

Possible complications

Diastasis of pregnancy is mainly considered to be an aesthetic problem. However, it should be noted that sometimes it can have repercussions on the body:

• reduced lower back and pelvic stability;
• pain in the lower back and pelvic girdle;
• dysfunctions of certain structures of the pelvic floor such as urinary incontinence, anal incontinence or even pelvic organ prolapse;
• the appearance of an umbilical hernia, manifested by a protruding bulge at the level of the navel.

In the absence of complications, diastasis does not require medical treatment. After childbirth, however, it is possible to focus on physiotherapy with the performance of specific physical exercises to strengthen the abdominal strap and re-energize the white line.

If diastasis is a problem, a tummy tuck may be considered. This is a surgical procedure that involves bringing the left and right parts of the right muscle together with wires. After the procedure, wearing an abdominal sheath is necessary for several weeks.

There are no prevention solutions that are clearly established to date. However, it would seem that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help limit the risk of pregnancy diastasis:

• maintaining a healthy and balanced diet;
• the practice of regular physical activity.