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Treatment for Diastasis Recti in Delafield

Diastasis recti is a separation of the two halves of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. It develops when the linea alba, the connective tissue that normally joins those muscles, thins and widens. The condition is most common during and after pregnancy because the growing uterus stretches the abdominal wall, but it can also occur in men, people with obesity, and newborns. A ridge or bulge may appear down the center of the abdomen, particularly when the core is engaged. Diastasis recti is not a hernia: there is no defect in the abdominal fascia and no abdominal contents protrude through it. A hernia may require surgical repair, and that repair is different. Exercise can strengthen the muscles on either side of a true diastasis, but it does not close the stretched seam between them.

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 protruding or "pooching" appearance of the abdomen, 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:

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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. It occurs when the linea alba, the connective tissue joining the muscles, thins and widens. It most often develops during and after pregnancy and usually appears as a ridge or bulge down the center of the abdomen. It is distinct from a hernia.
  • Common signs include a visible midline ridge or bulge, a soft gap between the abdominal muscles, weakness during everyday activities, lower back pain, and poor posture. The separation itself is typically not painful.
  • Diastasis recti results from increased pressure on the abdominal wall that stretches and thins the connective tissue at the midline. Pregnancy is the most common cause because the growing uterus stretches the abdomen. Multiple or closely spaced pregnancies, obesity, heavy lifting, and connective tissue characteristics can also contribute. The condition can occur in newborns as well.
  • Seek medical evaluation if an abdominal bulge or gap persists after childbirth, if core weakness or back pain continues, or if the condition affects daily function or self-image. Prompt evaluation also helps distinguish diastasis recti from a hernia, which may cause pain or a firm protrusion.
  • Treatment depends on the severity of the separation and the symptoms it causes. Many postpartum cases improve during the first several months. Physical therapy and targeted core strengthening are typical first-line approaches. Surgical repair, performed as part of a tummy tuck, may be considered when the separation remains persistent or cosmetically significant despite conservative treatment.
  • It often improves substantially without surgery. In newborns, diastasis recti usually resolves as the abdominal muscles develop. After childbirth, the gap commonly narrows during the first 6 to 12 months. Some separation may remain, and physical therapy can improve core strength and function even when it does not close the gap.
  • Diastasis recti is a stretching and widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. There is no opening in the abdominal wall. A hernia involves an actual defect in the fascia through which tissue can protrude. Diastasis recti often responds to conservative care, while a hernia may require surgical repair. When a hernia is repaired, it requires a different repair from rectus plication.
  • Diastasis recti is repaired through rectus plication performed as part of an abdominoplasty. The two muscle edges are brought back to the midline, and the stretched linea alba is reinforced with sutures. The skin that stretched with the abdominal wall almost always has to be removed for the abdomen to lie flat. Tightening the wall beneath loose skin can create a firmer abdomen that still looks the same. Dr. Boehm performs abdominoplasty at Consona, and the procedure has a published case gallery. The extent of the plication is determined by how far the separation runs, as measured during examination.
  • Yes. Many postpartum separations narrow on their own during the first several months, and targeted core rehabilitation is the first-line approach for those that remain. It can improve abdominal wall function even when the gap itself does not close. Surgery is for a separation that persists after conservative care or is wide enough to cause symptoms. If physical therapy is skipped and surgery is presented first, the conversation has shifted from assessment to selling.
  • Usually. A pregnancy after repair can separate the plicated muscles again and stretch the tightened skin, leaving you back where you started with a scar. That makes timing important, although it does not rule out repair, and timing is a normal part of the consultation. If breast and abdominal procedures are being considered together, a mommy makeover covers that combination. At Consona, those procedures are priced and sequenced as a combined plan, with rectus repair included in the abdominal portion. Including it in a larger plan does not change the rectus repair itself, but it does change the recovery being planned.
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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.

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Aesthetic surgery
12+ years
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Sources & references

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

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-09-12