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April 2016 Moms
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Diastasis recti

duendefduendef member
in April 2016 Moms
Hi ladies! 

Im only 4 weeks pp but it appears that I have diastasis recti, with a finger gap of at least 3 fingers. I know I still have some time to close up a little spontaneously, but it's still bothersome now. I didn't have this issue with DD1, with whom I lost the weight immediately and got my abs back. I know this occurs often with second time babies but it's frustrating. I do a lot of yoga, but have read that most of the poses are contraindicated for DR. Have any of you moms suffered from DR and had to work to repair it? Any exercises that you have found that really worked for you? I found some on Pinterest but thought I'd hear real life anecdotes if possible. I'm anxious to start working on it but also haven't seen my OB yet to get cleared for any abdominal exercises. Also I just bought the belly bandit, did this help anybody? 

Thanks! 
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Re: Diastasis recti

  • loveymayloveymay member
    No past experience, but I think I have it too. My OB said it was fine to do situps or crunches, but everything I've read says those csn worsen it. Im interested to hear what others say because I literally have no ab strength. I cant even sit up in bed without using my arms to push myself up. :neutral: 
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  • runningwildrunningwild member
    This may sound stupid, but how can you tell if you have it? Would it be obvious? 
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  • duendefduendef member
    Not stupid at all. There is a way to check, google it for detailed instructions but essentially you lay on the floor, knees bent, and use your fingers to feel and measure the gap between your abs while you gently lift your head. I believe if it's 2 or more finger widths apart you have it. It's quite obvious when you feel it. My DH said it felt "creepy", which I have to agree with. I feel like I could poke all my abdominal organs. Creepy. 
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  • K&ElizabethK&Elizabeth member
    I actually felt for it today and I have at a gap of at least 3 fingers at 6 weeks pp. I have my last midwife appointment on Tuesday and I plan on asking how to help it come back together then. I also didn't have this issue with my first. You're right, it feels totally creepy.
    DD-10/3/12
    DS-4/14/16 
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  • littleredx2littleredx2 member
    I've sadly had it since my second pregnancy and since I just gave birth to #4, it's now pretty bad. Most of the "go to" ab workouts will make it worse (ie: crunches, situps, planks, yoga). I am just about 7 weeks post partum and planning to contact a physical therapist specializing in women's help in the next few weeks. I'm really hoping she can help and I can correct this cause I don't want to look preggo the rest of my life and a tummy tuck scares the beejebus out of me.
    Me & DH - 2009
    Gone but not forgotten: Identical twin boys born at 23 weeks - 2004 
    DS1 - 2010
    DS2 - 2012
    DS3 - 2014
    Surprise # 4 due April 2016!! It's a GIRL.
    BabyFetus Ticker
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