What is diastasis recti after pregnancy?
A plain guide to abdominal separation after birth, and when it needs a doctor's review.
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What diastasis recti actually is
Diastasis recti is a separation between the two sides of the abdominal muscles. It happens as the belly stretches to make room for a growing baby.
The connective tissue between the muscles thins and widens during pregnancy. This is a structural change, not torn or damaged muscle.
Why it’s common, and not a reason to feel alarmed
Some degree of separation happens in most pregnancies, especially later on. It is not a sign that something has gone wrong with your body.
For many women, the gap narrows naturally in the weeks after birth. For others, the muscles need more deliberate, guided support to work well together again.
How a physiotherapist assesses it
An assessment starts with a conversation about your pregnancy, your delivery, and what you’re noticing now. A physical check may follow, always explained first and only with your consent.
A physiotherapist measures the width and depth of the gap. They also check how well your core engages during everyday movement, since that matters more than the gap alone.
How a guided plan helps
The goal is not just closing a gap on paper. It’s rebuilding how your deep core, pelvic floor and back muscles work together during daily tasks.
A plan usually starts gently and builds up as your body responds. Progress is reviewed at each visit, rather than assumed from a fixed schedule.
What progress usually looks like
Progress is usually steady rather than sudden. Many women notice their core feels more stable during everyday tasks before the visible gap changes much.
Consistency matters more here than intensity. A realistic plan fits around feeding, sleep and daily caregiving, not against them.
What this does not involve
This is guided, hands-on work, not a printed list of exercises to try alone at home. Doing the wrong movement early can slow recovery rather than help it.
Every plan is adjusted to how your body actually responds, session by session. If something isn’t working, we say so and change course rather than continuing regardless.
Straightforward signs that need a doctor’s review
A visible bulge or doming along the midline that comes with pain is worth a doctor’s review. So is any doming that isn’t settling over time.
We ask about these signs before starting physiotherapy, and will point you toward medical care first if anything raises concern.
If you're unsure whether your abdominal separation needs attention, tell us your situation and we'll explain what an assessment involves.
Common questions
Is diastasis recti dangerous?
Usually not. It's a common change after pregnancy, not an injury. A physiotherapist can assess how it's affecting your core function and guide a sensible plan.
How does a physiotherapist check for it?
With a conversation first, then a gentle physical check, always explained and only done with your consent. This looks at the gap itself and how your core engages during movement.
Will the gap close on its own?
For many women it narrows naturally over the months after birth. For others, the surrounding muscles need more deliberate, guided work to function well again.
What if I notice a bulge or doming along my stomach?
A bulge with pain, or doming that isn't improving, is worth a doctor's review. We ask about this before starting and will point you toward medical care first if needed.
If you're unsure whether your abdominal separation needs attention, tell us your situation and we'll explain what an assessment involves.