Childbirth changes a mother not just mentally and emotionally but also physically. New mothers have to face their new reality of stretch bellies. But more often than not, it leads to the divarication of the recti.
If this is the first time you've heard of this condition, here are some of the frequently asked questions around diastasis recti.
How Does Diastasis Recti Happen?
Pregnancy hormones weaken the wall found at the centre abdomen or the recti muscle, causing the binding to tissues to become weak.
After delivery, the binding tissues will go back to their normal state. But if there's stretching or tearing present, the tissues may never recover. This then results in diastasis recti, giving the new mother a pouch that resembles their pregnant belly.
Does It Affect Every Pregnant Woman?
Divarication of recti is common amongst women, but chances are increased around pregnant women who are:
Petite
Gained substantial weight during their pregnancy
Are carrying more than one baby at a time
Has experienced multiple pregnancies
At a slightly older age during the pregnancy
Have a history of ventral hernia as well as pelvic instability.
Research has revealed that three out of ten pregnant women are predicted to suffer from a mild form of diastasis on their recti muscles after their first pregnancy.
Does It Cause Other Health Complications?
The divarication of the recti is a condition that only affects the abdomen. But in certain instances, it can lead to implications such as chronic backache, postpartum constipation, and even pain during penetration.
Is It Curable?
Putting back the stretched out tissues of your recti muscles is difficult. But abdominal rehabilitation is still possible.
Depending on the severity of your condition, there is a variety of exercises that can help strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles.
Can It Be Prevented
Diastasis recti can be prevented, but there's no guarantee that it won't develop.
There are certain tips and other practices that pregnant women can do to lessen the chances of developing a severe condition.
If you want to know more about diastasis recti, visit Orchard Clinic for the most efficient diastasis recti treatments in Singapore.
