A baby bump is something that mothers-to-be are proud to show. Some even want to capture the moment by having a professional maternity photo shoot. When that baby bundle of joy arrives, it makes having your belly bulge for several months’ worth it. However, a new mother may be surprised to find her belly still bulging even after delivery. If you find yourself in the same situation, you may have diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is when the spaces between your abdominal muscles widen during pregnancy. As a result, your belly tends to bulge. This issue can cause insecurities for new mothers, but fortunately, there are methods of diastasis recti repair available. 

How Diastasis Recti Happens

The rectus abdominis, which you may colloquially call your "abs," are a group of muscles with several separations. One of the major separations is a vertical one that goes right in between your abs, splitting them into the left and right sides. During your pregnancy, your prominent baby bump can stretch and widen that vertical separation. After you give birth, that stretch can remain. It can even be more noticeable if you have had multiple pregnancies. One of the apparent effects is your belly may protrude. Some mothers also call it the "post-baby belly."

Is it Dangerous?

Most of the problems with diastasis recti are minor and non-life threatening. The main apparent issue with diastasis recti is mostly cosmetic. It also brings with it some annoying nuances. Since the abdominal muscles are essential for posture, you may also feel some posture problems and lower back pain. Some women also report constipation, urine leaking, and bloating. Unfortunately, some complications can arise if the diastasis recti is extreme. You can also worsen it by incorrect movements or excessive straining. These severe issues include poor trunk mobility and stability, pelvis problems, and even hernias.

What You Can Do

Fortunately, diastasis recti repair is possible, and there are many ways to do it. Your abdominal muscles can heal within the first two months after giving birth. Avoid aggravating the condition during this period. As your abdominal muscles recover, avoid exercises like crunches, sit-ups, or similar movements. It is also advisable to avoid activities that stress the core, such as lifting heavy loads, so if you are also a gym rat, this is a time when you should stray away from the deadlifts.

Once your abdominal muscles have recovered, then you can perform exercises that specifically target diastasis recti repair. The aim is to re-strengthen the abdominal muscles as well as the surrounding structures like the pelvis and lower back. In return, not only will you get rid of that post-baby belly, but you will also be free of the back pain and mobility issues that come with diastasis recti. Doctors, physical therapists, and other allied medical experts that specialize in postpartum care design and evaluate such programs, so you do not have to worry about worsening your diastasis recti.

The real challenges of motherhood come after giving birth, and they include re-strengthening your postpartum body.  Diastasis recti is a sign of your perseverance and care for bringing a new human into the world, but you do not have to live with it, let alone allow it to interfere with your everyday life. Enjoy your new life as a mother by choosing to treat it.