Beyond baby weight: The hidden impact of Diastasis Recti

Anyone can experience the severe pain of abdominal separation that is diastasis recti, but its prevalence among pregnant and postpartum women make it a crucial and overlooked women’s health issue. Although this condition can cause physical and psychological distress, the most effective solution (surgery) is generally not offered by national health providers.

Karolis Varkalys, a surgeon at Nordesthetics clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania, explains the risks and symptoms of diastasis recti, and how surgery can help.

Although not commonly known, diastasis recti (abdominal separation) can happen to anybody at any time. It occurs when the two parallel bands of the rectus abdominis muscle separate along the midline of the abdomen, and it can lead to muscle pain, organ displacement, digestive issues, and psychological distress.

About 60% of pregnant or postpartum women experience this condition, making it an important and overlooked issue in women’s health. Diastasis recti can also be caused by weight gain or obesity, improper exercise technique, and even heavy weightlifting if the core is not properly engaged.

Yet despite its prevalence and severe health implications, especially among women, diastasis recti surgery is generally not provided by public health providers except in the most extreme conditions. While physiotherapy may be offered, Karolis Varkalys advises that surgery often is the only effective option, especially considering the potential for severe complications.

Diastasis recti can cause severe health problems

Left untreated, diastasis recti can lead to major health problems. Since the abdominal walls help stabilize the core, instability in that area can cause chronic muscle pain and increase the risk of injury. When the synergy between the pelvic floor and the abdominal muscles is disrupted, diastasis recti can lead to incontinence, hernias, or pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs slip into the vaginal region). More everyday issues like digestive discomfort, bloating, poor posture, and shoulder, neck, and back pain can also result.

In addition to these various physical impairments, this condition can cause severe emotional distress, brought on by body image struggles, feelings of frustration, or diminished self-esteem. Thus the patient’s suffering is compounded. Surgery can be a viable solution not just for the primary physical symptoms of diastasis recti, but also for related aesthetic and psychological issues.

“While several techniques exist to address diastasis recti, the open surgical approach remains the most effective,” says Dr. Varkalys. The open surgical approach not only corrects muscle separation, but also can include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. This gives the patient both a practical, functional solution and an aesthetic benefit, killing two birds with one stone: the patient undergoes (and pays for) anaesthesia, surgery, and recovery just once.

Simple steps for avoiding a relapse

And when repair is done correctly, recurrence of diastasis recti is uncommon (although subsequent pregnancies may carry a risk). Patients can take steps to prevent recurrence by avoiding heavy lifting, intense core exercises, and any stressful activity for at least 6–12 weeks post-surgery. They can also use abdominal binders or compression garments during the initial recovery phase, which provide support and reduce strain on the repaired muscles.

Dr. Varkalys emphasises that surgical repair of diastasis recti has high success rates and long-lasting results, both in functional improvement and in aesthetic outcomes such as excess skin removal. The overall result is physical and emotional relief and a better quality of life.

Source: Nordclinic

Image: Submitted by author

Staff Writer