Diastasis Rectus Abdominus (DRA)

Diastasis Rectus Abdominus is the separation of the connective tissue called the linea alba that joins the 2 strips of the rectus abdominus muscle down the front of your abdomen. This is a common condition seen in pregnant and postnatal patients.

As your baby grows, your rectus abdominus muscles become lengthened.  The linea alba is made up of connective tissue and due to the hormone relaxin it becomes stretchier during pregnancy. As the linea alba stretches, the 2 parts of the rectus abdominus muscles are stretched further apart which can lead to a bulge in the abdominal wall.

It is important postnatally that the size of your diastasis is checked and monitored. Your physiotherapist will check that you are able to contract your core transverse abdominus muscles correctly along with your pelvic floor muscles, to help stabilise the diastasis during any activities and work on a rehab plan to allow you to return to exercise in a safe way without exacerbating the diastasis.