Ask the Expert: Diastasis Recti (Abs separation)

Hi Mia, congrats on your baby! And kudos for breastfeeding. If the condition is due to calorie excess, a good weight management programme combining healthy diet and activity/exercise will help. If the condition is due to a Diastasis Recti / abdominal separation, the belly could look very different from just normal weight gain.

Hi Anini, that's a great question as many mummies aren't aware that certain activities/actions may worsen Diastasis Recti. Basically, the abdominal area should not be overly stretched, contracted or twisted as these are actions that would compromise the already weakened connective tissue. So avoid doing exercises like abdominal crunches or sit-ups for example.

You can find out more here: https://www.orchardclinic.com/treatments/electromagnetic-therapy/

H there, yes we have seen very good results with 95% of mummies seeing gap closure after treatment. Diastasis Recti is also often accompanied with bulging/saggy skin so we would combine skin tightening treatment to address the bulging tummy/skin laxity.

Hi Diana, you can seek treatment by doing the right exercises (guided by an expert in Diastasis Recti) or visit us for a consultation. The treatment period depends on the severity of the condition and on the individual, so we can't say for sure. But we always tell mummies to treat it earlier before it gets worse or before their next pregnancy

Hi Zoey, great question as we always advise that prevention is better than cure! Strengthening the core & pelvic floor muscles before pregnancy or during the early stages of pregnancy is helpful. Also try to avoid constipation, straining, coughing as these increase the intra-abdominal pressure

Hi Anu, treatment could be through surgery (e.g. tummy tuck) or non-surgical treatments with medical technology. Our treatment uses USA FDA approved medical devices to stimulate muscle recovery, rehabilitation and growth. This is done through high intensity electromagnetic field to rebuild muscles. You can find out more here: https://www.orchardclinic.com/diastasis-recti/

Hi Chervy, yes indeed there are, however we would caution that certain exercises could worsen Diastasis Recti, so it is best to perform these exercises carefully with a guided professional trained in this area. As part of our treatment, we would advise the right exercises to do at home

Hi there, the most visible symptom would be a depression or gap in the middle of the abdomen. Other common symptoms include: lower back pain, urinary incontinence, weak pelvic floor muscles, hernia, a bulging tummy, saggy skin

In some cases, this is possible! We usually advise mummies to wait for some time postpartum first before coming in for treatment.