This is specially common in multiple pregnancy and can get worse. It is the separation between the left and right side of rectus abdominus.  It can be a few cm’s and even bigger. This can make back pain worse as there is less support given to the back.  Common in newborns and in pregnant women (2/3 according to webMD) because of increased tension on the abdominal wall.  There is an increased risk with multiple births and multiple pregnancies, women who have had it in previous pregnancies, very petite women, women with poor abdominal muscle tone and women with hyperlordosis (anterior tilt the pelvis).  Ridge-like appearance, can stretch from bottom of xiphoid (breastbone) to belly button.

We must be careful with Diastasis Recti:

• Do take care with exercise – sit ups, navasana (boat pose), push-ups/planks, can make it worse. Avoid this until the gap is less than 2cm (two finger widths)
• Don’t strain – avoid cons/pa/on and heavy lifting
• Do distinguish between DR and a hernia (hernias need surgical repair)
• DR generally resolves on its own
• Check out Julie Tupler (RN) – Lose Your Mummy Tummy – a 4 step diastasis recovery process.