Due to external and self-imposed pressures, being a pregnant woman today comes with no small amount of stress. From the moment of conception, many women carefully control their diets in an effort to “grow the baby but not the fat,” with the hope of quickly regaining their pre-pregnancy figure after delivery. However, if severe abdominal looseness persists several months postpartum, it may be a sign of diastasis recti.
What is Diastasis Recti?
The rectus abdominis is a pair of vertically aligned muscles located in the midline of the abdomen, separated by a connective tissue called the linea alba. During pregnancy, as the fetus grows, the abdominal wall stretches continuously. If the linea alba becomes excessively stretched and loses elasticity, it may fail to return to its original position postpartum, resulting in diastasis recti. This condition often manifests as a “pouch-like sagging” in the lower abdomen.
Timing Matters: Slimming Down Postpartum
If new mothers with diastasis recti attempt to exercise too soon postpartum (for instance, by doing sit-ups), they risk worsening the condition. Overstretching the rectus abdominis could not only hinder their efforts to slim down but also impair the muscle’s essential functions, such as supporting the back and internal organs, potentially leading to other health problems.
For pregnant women who did not exercise regularly before giving birth, it is advisable not to rush into postpartum workouts. Instead, they should first check for signs of diastasis recti. A simple self-test involves lying on your back, performing a slight crunch (lifting your head slightly forward), and placing your fingers along the midline of the abdomen. Normally, the gap between the rectus abdominis muscles should accommodate two fingers. If the gap is wider than two fingers, it may indicate diastasis recti.
Solutions for Diastasis Recti
Mild cases of diastasis recti can be improved through exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles, but it is crucial to perform these exercises under the guidance of a professional. For more severe cases, surgery can be considered to bring the rectus abdominis muscles back to the midline.
Alternatively, there is the option of undergoing the latest high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) therapy, such as the Emsculpt treatment. This non-invasive method eliminates the risks associated with improperly performed exercises or the pain of surgical intervention. Emsculpt uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate strong contractions in the rectus abdominis muscles, resulting in tighter, firmer muscles and improved abdominal tone. It also helps postpartum mothers regain a flat stomach and reclaim their pre-pregnancy figure.
In summary, addressing diastasis recti with the right approach can help new mothers not only recover their body confidence but also avoid long-term health complications.