Diastasis recti (also known as abdominal separation) is a disorder defined as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves. [1] Normally, the two sides of the muscle are joined at the linea alba at the body midline. Diastasis of this muscle occurs principally in two populations: newborns and pregnant women. In the newborn, the rectus abdominis is not fully developed and may not be sealed together at midline. Diastasis recti is more common in premature and African American newborns. In pregnant or postpartum women, the defect is caused by the stretching of the rectus abdominis by the growing uterus. It is more common in multiparous women due to repeated episodes of stretching. When the defect occurs during pregnancy, the uterus can sometimes be seen bulging through the abdominal wall beneath the skin. [2]
A diastasis recti appears as a ridge running down the midline of the abdomen from the xiphoid process to the umbilicus. It becomes more prominent with straining and may disappear when the abdominal muscles are relaxed. The medial borders of the right and left halves of the muscle may be palpated during relaxation. [3] The condition can be diagnosed by physical exam, and a ventral hernia may be ruled out using ultrasound.
No treatment is necessary for women while they are still pregnant. In children, complications include development of an umbilical or ventral hernia, which is rare and can be corrected with surgery. [4]
In adults, diastasis recti can be corrected by physiotherapy. In extreme cases, it is corrected during the cosmetic surgery procedure known as a tummy tuck by creating a plication or folding of the linea alba and suturing together. This creates a tighter abdominal wall.
