Hormonal changes during pregnancy, muscle stretches because of the growing baby, and weight gain during your term is often contributory to the appearance of diastasis recti. This condition is prevalent among women giving birth, although the problem also appears in men and newborns.
A diastasis recti repair is often a cosmetic concern among women because of the lack of improvement after some time. Though corrective surgery is one of the most reasonable routes, some alternatives allow you to restore your body without going under the knife.
Defining diastasis recti
Diastasis recti are the separation of the abdominal muscles because of pregnancy. This condition is more common in women because the bulge of the belly stretches the abdomen. Diastasis recti are often noticeable during the second to the third trimesters when the bump develops on the stomach.
The condition is also more noticeable when using your abdominal muscles to stand up, lie down, or sit up. This often leads to an apparent weakness on the core or a visible separation of the abdominal muscles.
An effective diastasis recti repair does not only involve corrective surgery but getting your core to its prime shape to administer healing. Women who are concerned about their health and figure can get expert advice on core strength restoration and decrease the back pain associated with the problem.
Consider exercise first
Many health experts believe that exercise, especially those focused on the abdominal muscles, helps improve your postpartum pouch. Going natural will not only inhibit the occurrence of other problems, but it will also help you get a better muscle tone.
Exercises like abdominal compression, single-leg stretches, toe taps, and pelvic tilts focus on abdominal pulls. It increases your core strength and helps pull your belly to its natural tightness.
Focusing on your core also gives you better strength, and the contraction of your abdominal muscles is beneficial for many of the most common conditions women face, including:
- Constipation
- Posture problems
- Lower-back pains
- Hemorrhoids
Exercise is also proven to help women cope with the rigors of motherhood and prevent the occurrence of depression and postpartum illnesses. Considering activity is also one viable way of encouraging the healing of your diastasis recti through time.
Fixing your diastasis recti
A critical element of rebuilding your core is to do it from the inside out. Strengthening your entire abdomen area means supporting the healing of muscle areas that have been stretched during your pregnancy.
Focusing your daily regimen on your transverse abdominis (TVA) will help you regain your strength and foster the healing of your abdomen. Also, incorporate exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor and the diaphragm areas as these underlying parts are essential for your ab muscles.
Though most ab exercises can help sustain your recovery, there are some which are potentially risky during the initial stages of your abdominal strengthening. Avoid doing extreme and challenging tasks such as planking or crunches as they can worsen your diastasis recti.
Consult the experts
One right way of dealing with your diastasis recti repair is to engage the help of professionals who are well-versed in the type of exercises beneficial for your recovery. Professionals will help you develop a keen sense of self-awareness. So, you can aptly listen to what your body is saying and pay attention to all the elements healing your core.
