7 months postpartum and my pelvic floor, core, and back still make me feel like I'm pregnant. This is not my 1st baby, and I never knew of diastasis recti - DR until this summer at my 6-week check-up. What is Diastasis recti postpartum? Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. When the uterus is expanding to accommodate the growing baby, it can cause the muscles to separate. This can happen during and/or after pregnancy. Based on the research I've done thus far; DR is very common in woman with small body frame because uterus growth and need for space.
The treatment I’m receiving for diastasis recti is physical therapy twice a week and exercise. Depending on the severity of the separation, surgery maybe suggested by your physician.
Some of the signs of diastasis recti to look for, according to https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22346-diastasis-recti and https://www.healthline.com/health/diastasis-recti are ...
A visible bulge or "pooch" that protrudes just above or below the belly button.
Softness or jelly-like feeling around your belly button.
Coning or doming when you contract your ab muscles.
Difficulty lifting objects, walking or performing everyday tasks.
Pain during sex.
Pelvic or hip pain.
Low back pain.
Poor posture.
Urine leaking when you sneeze or cough.
Constipation.
Feeling weak in your abdominals.
What lead me to asking my OB at my postpartum check-up was when I noticed that my lower back pain became increasingly worse, my abdomen felt like a bowl of gelatin, my pelvic floor was weak, and my constipation was worse than expected. Speaking up and talking to my physician was very important. I gave birth naturally with no pain medicine, so like most mothers, it was difficult to tell what was normal and would get better over time, and what to mention to my physician as a concern. I wrote this post to make sure all women know that they have a voice, and all their concerns and questions are valid. Don’t be hesitant to talk to you doctors and tell them what you are experiencing. Advocate for yourself!
photo from babycenter.com
Comments