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Diastasis recti is widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles during or after pregnancy. It is common and not a hernia.
Signs and symptoms
A midline bulge or reduced trunk support may be noticed during movement, sometimes with back or pelvic-floor symptoms.
Features associated with diastasis recti can overlap with other reproductive, pregnancy or general health conditions. Timing, severity, pregnancy status and effects on daily function guide assessment.
Causes
The causes of diastasis recti vary and may involve hormonal, anatomical, genetic, infectious, inflammatory or life-stage factors. Symptoms cannot establish the cause without appropriate assessment.
Risk factors
Risk factors may change the likelihood of diastasis recti but do not confirm it. Many affected people have no recognised risk factor, and many people with risk factors do not develop the condition.
Diagnosis
Assessment focuses on function, breathing, pressure management and possible hernia. Progressive rehabilitation with a pelvic-health professional can help.
Assessment of diastasis recti may include pregnancy status, medical and reproductive history, medicines, examination and targeted testing. Online information cannot provide an individual diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for diastasis recti is individualised around the cause, severity, reproductive goals, pregnancy or breastfeeding status and personal preferences. Medicine or procedures require informed discussion of benefits and risks.
Self-care
For diastasis recti, self-care can support but not replace appropriate assessment. Follow the agreed care plan, use medicines only as directed, keep concise symptom records and seek review when recovery is not progressing.
Recovery
Recovery from diastasis recti varies with cause and treatment. Gradual improvement, follow-up results and return of comfortable daily function are more useful than a fixed timetable.
Prevention
Not every case of diastasis recti can be prevented. Routine reproductive and maternity care, vaccination, infection prevention, medicine review and early attention to symptoms can reduce avoidable complications where applicable.
Possible complications
Possible complications of diastasis recti depend on severity and context. Persistent bleeding, infection, anaemia, pain, feeding difficulty or reproductive effects deserve professional review rather than assumption.
When to seek urgent medical care
Urgent assessment is needed for a painful non-reducible bulge, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fever or symptoms suggesting a hernia complication.
If someone with possible diastasis recti seems seriously unwell, seek urgent care. Call the local emergency number for collapse, unresponsiveness, severe breathing difficulty or another immediate threat to life.
Frequently asked questions
Can symptoms confirm the condition?
No. Symptoms associated with diastasis recti may have several causes, and examination or tests may be needed before care is chosen.
Can self-care replace professional assessment?
Self-care may support mild, assessed diastasis recti, but it cannot replace evaluation when symptoms worsen, warning signs appear or pregnancy is possible.
When should follow-up be arranged?
Arrange follow-up for diastasis recti when symptoms persist, recur, interfere with daily life or do not improve as expected. Seek urgent help sooner for warning signs.
Summary
Diastasis recti is widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles during or after pregnancy. It is common and not a hernia. Individual assessment, evidence-informed treatment and clear urgent-care guidance support safe, respectful decisions.
References and further reading
These official resources provide further guidance relevant to diastasis recti. Recommendations can change, and local professional advice should guide individual care.
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Evidence-based, clearly reviewed.
Healthier Baby Today articles are reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
