Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate. It most often develops during pregnancy, but it can affect anyone. The separation can cause a bulge in the middle of the stomach, weak core muscles and discomfort.
While diastasis recti is usually not dangerous, it can affect posture, strength and daily activities. Many people improve with targeted exercises and physical therapy.
At Banner Health, our specialists can help diagnose diastasis recti and recommend treatments that strengthen your core and improve symptoms.
Diastasis recti (also called rectus diastasis or abdominal separation) happens when the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles pull apart.
These muscles run vertically down the front of the abdomen and are often called the six-pack muscles. They are connected by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba.
When the linea alba stretches or weakens, the muscles separate and create a gap in the center of the abdomen. This gap may cause the stomach to appear rounded or bulged.
Some people notice a ridge or bulge when they sit up, cough or strain their abdominal muscles.
Diastasis recti develops when pressure inside the abdomen stretches the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles.
Pregnancy is the most common cause of diastasis recti. As the uterus grows, it stretches the abdominal wall and puts pressure on the connective tissue.
About half of pregnant people develop diastasis recti.
Risk factors during pregnancy include:
For some people, the muscles move back together after childbirth. Others may continue to have abdominal separation postpartum.
Diastasis recti can also occur in people who have never been pregnant. Causes may include:
Newborn babies may temporarily have diastasis recti as their abdominal muscles develop.
The most noticeable sign is a bulge or ridge along the middle of the stomach, especially when tightening the abdominal muscles.
Other symptoms of diastasis recti may include:
Some people notice their abdomen still looks pregnant months after giving birth.
Diastasis recti is sometimes mistaken for a hernia, but the conditions are different.
With diastasis recti, the connective tissue stretches but does not tear. With a hernia, tissue or organs push through a weakened area of the abdominal wall.
A health care provider can determine whether abdominal bulging is caused by diastasis recti or a hernia.
A provider can usually diagnose diastasis recti during a physical exam by checking the width of the muscle separation.
In some cases, imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These may include:
You may also be referred to a physical therapist who can evaluate your core strength and movement patterns.
You can do a simple check at home:
If the separation is more than two finger widths, you may have diastasis recti. A health care provider should confirm the diagnosis.
Many people improve with nonsurgical treatment focused on strengthening the abdominal muscles and stabilizing the core.
Treatment options may include:
Physical therapy is often the first treatment recommended.
A pelvic floor physical therapist or trained rehabilitation specialist can guide you through exercises designed to strengthen deep core muscles while avoiding additional strain.
Therapy may focus on:
Certain exercises can help activate deep abdominal muscles and support healing.
Examples include:
A physical therapist can recommend exercises that are safe for your stage of recovery.
Some movements may worsen abdominal separation, especially early in recovery.
Avoid exercises that push the abdomen outward, such as:
A specialist can help you safely return to more advanced exercises.
Abdominal binders or belly bands may provide temporary support for the abdominal wall.
These devices help hold the muscles together and may reduce discomfort, especially after pregnancy.
However, they do not repair the muscle separation and should be used along with strengthening exercises.
Surgery is rarely needed for diastasis recti.
It may be considered if:
The procedure is usually performed during an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which repairs the abdominal wall and tightens connective tissue.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the separation and the strength of the abdominal muscles.
Many people begin seeing improvement with exercises or physical therapy within several weeks to a few months.
If surgery is needed, recovery may take longer and include additional rehabilitation.
Diastasis recti cannot always be prevented, but these steps may reduce your risk:
If you notice a bulge in your abdomen, core weakness or ongoing back pain, it may be related to diastasis recti.
Banner Health specialists can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatments to strengthen your core and improve your quality of life.
Mild cases may improve on their own, especially after pregnancy. Exercises that strengthen deep abdominal muscles can help support healing.
Diastasis recti is usually not dangerous, but it can lead to core weakness, back pain and posture problems if left untreated.
Yes. Men can develop diastasis recti due to obesity, heavy lifting or repeated strain on the abdominal muscles.
You should see a provider if you notice:
A medical evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
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