If you are like most expecting moms, you are reading up on everything you can about taking care of your baby during your pregnancy, your body and learning what you can about your soon to be newborn.  As the bump continues to grow, the abdominal wall is stretched to a new capacity.  The abdominal wall consists of four sets of muscles and it takes all four sets to help push the baby.  However, two out of three moms will experience what is called diastasis recti, an abdominal separation of the rectus abdominis.  

The rectus abdominis is known as the "six-pack" ab muscle.  It is bounded by connective tissue called the linea alba and is separated into right and left halves. The function of the rectus abdominis is an important postural muscle as it supports the spine, the digestive and pelvic organs and aids in the role of breathing.  As you can tell, this is an important muscle to keep strengthened.  If weakened, it will effect our quality of life in the daily activities we perform.  

Separation of the two halves occurs for a number of reasons during pregnancy or a combination of the following:

• A pregnancy hormone called "relaxin" which relaxes the ligaments and tissue to help the body prep for birth
• The growth of the baby forces the uterus to compress against the rectus abdominis
• Forced coughing or sneezing can cause the sudden separation.  Some women who were sick with the flu or bronchitis can "cough themselves to separation."  

Who is more likely to get this "separation?"

• Women carrying multiples
• Smaller framed women
• Women with pronounced swayback
• Poor abdominal tone
• Repeated pregnancies

What happens if I have diastasis recti?

• Increases low back pain
• Pelvic instability or SI Joint Dysfunction
• Increases stress and/or urinary incontinence (think, do you pee when you laugh, cough or sneeze?)
• Reduces the integrity and functional strength of the abdominal wall and pelvic organs

How do I know if I have diastasis recti?

Most women will notice a "peak" that forms in their belly when they attempt to come up from lying on their back.  Unless your healthcare provider, a physical therapist or certified personal trainer who specializes in pre and postpartum fitness checks for this, there is no way of knowing.  Most doctors do not check for this condition, but you can ask for them to check this during your 6-week postpartum check-up.  They should as it will effect your quality of life if the abs are not together.  

If you think how often you will be lifting your baby in and out of the crib, the carseat, diaper changes and other mom activities, if you have this separation, it will only exaborate low back pain.  

Can this be corrected?

Yes it can!  However, going right back into your old crunching routine may make it worse.  It is best to find someone who is qualified to help get this muscle tissue back together manually.  Look for postpartum exercise programs that specialize in rehabbing your core and floor.  Instructors should be certified or have taken special courses to help moms pull this together.  Owner and founder of Active Moms Club in Chicago, Cassandara Hawkinson is very familiar with moms that have a diastasis recti.  It is why she started a program called:  "From the Core: Postnatal Recovery" that focuses exclusively on restoring the integrity of mom's core muscles, including the pelvic floor, lower back, and addresses diastasis. Class is really quite unique, it is for moms six-weeks to six-months postpartum, and you can bring your child to class! "Most women don't realize how important it is to restore the integrity of the core muscles after birth." Cassandra's mission is to educate and strengthen. "I like to use the analogy of building a house; the foundation always comes first, and the roof goes on last. The same is true to rebuild the human body after child birth; re-establish the strength of the core muscles for a strong foundation, and then return to your favorite class with impact or go for a run."

Many moms who complain their abs are still "flabby" after the baby, be sure to have a qualified professional check for this separation.  

For more information on finding a certified perinatal trainer new you, go to Healthy Moms(R) Fitness