What is a Diastasis Recti Abdominus (DRA)?
Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA) is a widening and thinning of the linea alba, which is connective tissue that runs vertically between the two halves of the “six-pack” muscle at the front of the abdomen.
Some Facts to Know about DRA
DRA is a very common condition typically seen in late pregnancy and can persist in the postpartum period.
Diastasis can occur in all ages and genders, including in those who have never been pregnant.
Connective tissue (called the linea alba) binds the 2 lines of muscles together, and stretches to allow for the baby’s growth during pregnancy.
This change in the abdominal wall typically becomes more apparent in the third trimester of pregnancy as the abdominal wall adapts in response to stretch from the growing baby(s).
This structural change occurs to some extent in all pregnant bodies and can persist beyond pregnancy.
Diastasis is not related to pre or post pregnancy weight, the weight of your baby, or abdominal size.
Diastasis does not mean you are out of shape, and losing weight will not fix it.
What can I do about DRA?
First, understand that you didn’t do anything wrong to “cause your diastasis”. Lifting/caring for your child and performing household tasks is unlikely to worsen your diastasis.There’s a wide variation of “normal” inter-recti distance (ie. the “gap” between the two halves of the 6-pack muscle). The gap between the muscles isn’t as important as function- being able to transfer tension from one side of your rectus abdominal muscles to the other is the most important job of the linea alba. An individualized assessment with a pelvic therapist can help guide you in a whole person approach to diastasis rehab – focusing on strengthening the entire abdominal wall, improving function, and addressing other factors like gut health and recovery.
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