Abdominal Separation Stories?

SkiHorse · September 2013

Hi all -

I'm in my early 40s and 24 weeks pregnant with my second child. DS #1 will be three when his little brother is born. I recently discovered that I've gotten an abdominal separation (diastasis recti) during this second pregnancy. I'll bet it's from lifting and carrying my 30+ pound toddler. which is hard to avoid doing (though my husband now promises to do most of the heavy lifting for the rest of this pregnancy).

Of course, in the scheme of life, we are much, much more concerned to have a healthy baby, but I still have to admit that I'm quite upset about the abdominal separation. I had a totally flat stomach before DS #1 was born and I did a pretty good job of losing the pregnancy weight and getting my figure back. I didn't have diastasis recti with the first one. Now I'm worried that I'll have a really bad "mommy tummy" and not be able to get rid of the "belly pooch" without surgery.

Does any one have any diastasis recti stories (positive or negative) to share?

SkiHorse · September 2013

Since no one has responded, I'm curious whether no one has had separated abs (diastasis recti), as a result of pregnancy, or whether many people don't know about the condition. I'd never heard of it until an acquaintance had it and told me how to check (there will be a gap or ridge along your midline if you raise your head and shoulders, as if starting to do a crunch, while you're lying down). I checked because I've felt some pulling or tearing during this pregnancy when lifting my toddler.

LucyRicardo3 · September 2013

I've read about it a few times on the Multiples board, but I've never had experience with it. Hope you find answers!

LucyRicardo3 · September 2013

If you want to search that board for those posts, go over to the right of your original post, and you can type in Diastasis Recti at the Search box, and in the drop down below it, select Multiples board. HTH
Looks like some were able to heal on their own, some required physical therapy, and a few required surgical repair...

dglvrk2 · September 2013

I had it with DD #1. (I'm pregnant with DD#2 now.) It wasn't too bad....I chalked it up to being a mom. Ironically, it looked its worse when I was in marathon running shape 13 months after DD#1 was born:-) I was so thin in all other places that it made me look about 4 months pregnant. I tried physical therapy as well as more conventional abdominal exercises. Nothing helped. My OB suggests surgery.....I had a c-section with DD #1 and if I elect to do this again (or have to as I did with DD#1) apparently they can stitch up my abs during the c-section. I'm not sure if I want to go this way. Fortunately I still have a few months (20 weeks to be exact) to decide. The idea of more surgery sounds bad, but so does a life with a really poochy belly.....

I'm not sure if this helps, but you have the right perspective. It's definitely not the worse thing that can happen :-)

10-4LilBuddy · September 2013

I am concerned with this since I am carrying twins. I read some research that using a belly binder after delivery can help lessen the degree of separation. You may want to ask your doctor about one.

pillowass · September 2013

Hey - I'm a grad just lurking

I had DR with my twins and corrected it with PT. Ask for a prescription for PT at your 6 week PP visit - ideally someone who specializes in women's health and has some knowledge of postpartum issues. It took me about 2 months but I was able to get my abs back together.

SkiHorse · September 2013

pillowass said:

I had DR with my twins and corrected it with PT....It took me about 2 months but I was able to get my abs back together.

How big was your separation? I think mine is already about 3 fingers' width, from belly button to sternum, and I'm only 25 weeks pregnant. I'm dreading what it will be after the baby is born. But I'd like to try to correct it without surgery, if possible.

jb2rn · September 2013

great thread

I have it. And I was in good shape, not overweight before I got pregnant. I also had an average sized baby (7lbs 2oz). I am petite (5'1"), and I heard that can contribute to it?

I gained 32 lbs during pregnancy, so not a ton, but I guess that could have contributed to it.

I recently got better about doing daily abs to try to fix it, it depresses me to look at my stomach, I am pear shaped and it was the one part of my body I liked before I had my baby.

pillowass · September 2013

SkiHorse said:

pillowass said:

I had DR with my twins and corrected it with PT....It took me about 2 months but I was able to get my abs back together.

How big was your separation? I think mine is already about 3 fingers' width, from belly button to sternum, and I'm only 25 weeks pregnant. I'm dreading what it will be after the baby is born. But I'd like to try to correct it without surgery, if possible.

Mine was 4 fingers right around my belly button but it was smaller (2-3 fingers) above and below. I also had some connective tissue left, which makes it easier to repair with exercise. I would definitely talk to a physical therapist before a surgeon - my understanding is that most cases do not require surgery. Good luck!

BeckyP005 · September 2013

@pillowass...I just happened to see your name pop up on the main board...nice to "see" you. How are the babies doing?

SkiHorse · September 2013

pillowass said:

Mine was 4 fingers right around my belly button but it was smaller (2-3 fingers) above and below... I also had some connective tissue left, which makes it easier to repair with exercise.

I had a routine appointment today with a nurse practitioner. She made me feel better by saying that I also have connective tissue left and that she has seen much worse. (Of course, I still have 3 months plus labor to go.)

pillowass · September 2013

BeckyP005 said:

@pillowass...I just happened to see your name pop up on the main board...nice to "see" you. How are the babies doing?

Hey there! Nice to "see" you too! Babies are good - both walking, super busy and into everything. I've been keeping an eye on you and some of the others and still crossing my fingers to see your names over here very soon! Hope you can get your DE cycle going soon!

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