Rectus diastasis/abdominal separation
Rectus Diastasis / Abdominal Separation
Most women will get rectus diastasis. It is really important to do abdominal exercises in the right way to make sure that the separation of the linea alba draws together. We recommend that you see one of our experienced CSPC physiotherapists to advise you on the right exercises that you can do safely. If abdominal exercises are performed badly post pregancy, the split can widen, which can mean that the tummy muscles can end up looking domed (or still slightly pregnant). It is important to check that you are doing your exercises correctly using the following test.
Rectus Diastasis Test
To do the test:
This test is really important as it can be used to monitor how well your tummy muscles are working when you are doing anything- whether that is an exercise, hanging out the washing or picking up your baby. It can be used to monitor progress and to make sure you don’t progress any exercise unless the abdominal split is able to draw together when you do it.
You will know if any activities and exercises are the right level if the sides of the split are able to draw together. If they don’t and get wider, you need to reset the abdominal muscles or do an easier exercise. This is really important. This also applies to other exercises- ie balance work, anything on your hands and knees and anything that works your abdominal muscles- even lunges and squats.
The test can be repeated to monitor progress, and do flag this up with a health professional if you feel the spilt isn’t drawing together after a few months. Definitely use this test as a way of monitoring how your muscles are functioning when doing exercises.
The test is really useful to guide which exercises you can do safely in the post pregnancy stage. High level athletes should follow the same rules. It may take time to be able to get back to the level of exercise and abdominal strength work that you were doing before your pregnancy, but in the long run, it is worth getting this right.
Rules to progress safely
If after your health visitor has signed you off after all your checks and your rectus split is not improving, is three fingers or wider, and doesn’t come together when the right muscles are activated, we would suggest that you come for an appointment with a CSPC physiotherapist who is experienced in this area. It can take a bit longer for the abdominals to come together with each subsequent pregnancy.