Skip to main content

Concern

Diastasis Recti Treatment in Delafield

Diastasis recti is a separation of the two halves of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen, caused by thinning and widening of the connective tissue (linea alba) that normally joins them. The condition most commonly develops during and after pregnancy as the growing uterus stretches the abdominal wall, but it can also occur in men, in people with obesity, and in newborns. Diastasis recti often appears as a visible ridge or bulge down the center of the abdomen, particularly when the core is engaged. It differs from a hernia because there is no defect in the abdominal fascia and no protrusion of abdominal contents.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Updated May 2026

At a Glance

Diastasis recti affects roughly 6 in 10 women after childbirth, making it a common postpartum condition[2]
In one prospective study, diastasis recti was present in 33% of women at gestation week 21, peaked at 60% by 6 weeks postpartum, and declined to about 33% by 12 months after childbirth[4]
A midline separation greater than approximately 2 centimeters between the rectus abdominis muscles is generally considered abnormal, though diagnosis also weighs patient symptoms[1]
Diastasis recti differs from a hernia because there is no fascial defect, and conservative treatment such as physical therapy is the typical first-line approach[3]

Signs & symptoms

  • A visible bulge or ridge running down the midline of the abdomen, often more pronounced when sitting up or engaging the core
  • A soft gap or separation felt between the abdominal muscles, frequently above or below the navel
  • Weakness in the core or trunk during everyday activities such as lifting or standing from a lying position
  • Lower back pain or discomfort related to reduced core support
  • Poor posture or a sense of abdominal instability
  • A persistent appearance of abdominal protrusion or "pooching," especially in the postpartum period

What causes Diastasis Recti

  • Increased intra-abdominal pressure that stretches and thins the linea alba
  • Pregnancy, as the expanding uterus stretches the abdominal wall and hormonal changes soften connective tissue
  • Multiple or closely spaced pregnancies that repeatedly stretch the midline
  • Obesity or excess abdominal fat, which increases pressure on the abdominal wall
  • Heavy or improper lifting and certain exercises that strain the midline
  • Connective tissue disorders that reduce tissue strength
  • Congenital factors in newborns, in whom the abdominal muscles may not be fully developed at birth

Risk factors

  • Pregnancy, particularly multiple gestations (twins or more)
  • Pregnancies spaced less than 12 months apart
  • Maternal age over 35 years
  • Carrying a large baby or excess amniotic fluid
  • A small or petite maternal frame
  • Obesity or significant fluctuations in body weight
  • Repeated heavy lifting or high-strain abdominal activity
  • Connective tissue conditions affecting tissue elasticity

How it's assessed

  1. Physical examination in which a clinician palpates the midline gap, often with the patient lying down and lifting the head and shoulders to engage the abdominal muscles
  2. Measurement of the inter-recti distance, with a separation generally considered abnormal when it exceeds approximately 2 centimeters
  3. Assessment of the location of the gap relative to the navel (above, at, or below the umbilicus)
  4. Evaluation of patient-reported symptoms such as bulging, weakness, or back pain rather than measurement alone
  5. Ultrasound imaging to objectively measure the inter-recti distance when clarification is needed
  6. Examination to distinguish diastasis recti from a ventral or umbilical hernia, which involves a fascial defect

How is Diastasis Recti treated

Several approaches can address diastasis recti:

Curious what's possible?

Schedule a consultation to explore what's right for you.

ContactSchedule an Appointment

Recovery & outlook

  • In newborns, diastasis recti usually resolves on its own as the abdominal muscles develop
  • Many postpartum cases improve substantially within the first 6 to 12 months after childbirth
  • The inter-recti distance commonly narrows over time without surgery, though some separation may persist
  • Conservative management with physical therapy can improve core strength and function even when a gap remains
  • Surgical repair generally produces durable correction for persistent or severe cases
  • Diastasis recti is not life-threatening, but it may affect core function, posture, and self-image

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Diastasis recti is a separation of the left and right halves of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. It happens when the connective tissue (linea alba) that joins the muscles thins and widens, most often during and after pregnancy. It usually appears as a visible ridge or bulge down the center of the belly and is distinct from a hernia.
  • Common signs include a visible bulge or ridge down the midline of the abdomen, a soft gap felt between the abdominal muscles, core weakness during everyday activities, and sometimes lower back pain or poor posture. The separation itself is typically not painful.
  • Diastasis recti results from increased pressure on the abdominal wall that stretches and thins the midline connective tissue. The most common cause is pregnancy, as the growing uterus stretches the abdomen. Other contributors include multiple or closely spaced pregnancies, obesity, heavy lifting, and connective tissue characteristics. It can also occur in newborns.
  • Consider medical evaluation if you notice a persistent abdominal bulge or gap that does not improve after childbirth, ongoing core weakness or back pain, or if the condition affects daily function or self-image. Prompt evaluation also helps distinguish diastasis recti from a hernia, which can cause pain or a firm protrusion.
  • Treatment depends on severity and symptoms. Many postpartum cases improve over the first several months. Physical therapy and targeted core strengthening are typical first-line approaches. Surgical repair, often performed with a tummy tuck, may be considered for persistent or cosmetically significant separation that does not respond to conservative measures.
  • In many cases it improves substantially without surgery. In newborns, it usually resolves as the abdominal muscles develop. After childbirth, the gap often narrows during the first 6 to 12 months. Some separation may persist, and physical therapy can help improve core strength and function even when a gap remains.
  • Diastasis recti is a stretching and widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles, with no opening in the abdominal wall. A hernia involves an actual defect in the fascia through which tissue can protrude. Because of this difference, diastasis recti often responds to conservative care, while hernias may require surgical repair.
Dr. Lucas Boehm, board-certified plastic surgeon, formal editorial portrait in soft daylight

Your surgeon

Care that respects what makes you, you.

Dr. Lucas BoehmBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.

Board-certified
Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
Fellowship-trained
Aesthetic surgery
12+ years
In practice

Sources & references

This article draws on 4 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.

Government & research

Medical institutions

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13