Diastasis Rectus Abdominus (DRA)

Pregnancy and delivery change the body!

Muscles, ligaments and connective tissues all have to stretch to accommodate the baby, making it harder for them to perform their roles as stabilizers. This can result in back or pelvic pain during pregnancy which can persist months after delivery. Common complaints are SI joint pain or instability/low back pain.

Incontinence is a common occurrence during and after pregnancy but it can be effectively treated with pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA)                                                                         

DRA which is also known as abdominal separation between the right and left rectus abdominis muscles, is very common in pregnant or postpartum women. The condition is caused by the stretching of the linea alba – white connective tissue that joins the recti at the midline.  It often appears as a ridge down the midline of the abdomen between the sternum and the belly button. It becomes more prominent with straining and often disappears when the abdominal muscles relax.

Research has shown that DRA size diminishes in the early post-partum period but without treatment it will not change between 8 weeks and one year postpartum.  It is strongly recommended that all postpartum women should be checked for abdominal and pelvic floor muscle function prior to returning to sport or exercise.