Known as rectus abdominis diastasis, tummy muscle separation is something that happens to all women during pregnancy as your abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate your growing baby. However, in some instances women notice ‘doming’ or a bulging of the abdominal muscles, particularly when undertaking certain activities. A physio can check if there is any tension that is contributing to the separation and advise on pregnancy safe exercises that will help to minimise the risk of a large gap occurring postnatally.
Do your stomach muscles make a ‘tent like peak’ when you sit up?
Most women experience a separation in their tummy muscles during pregnancy. This happens to accommodate the size of the baby. If this separation doesn’t resolve naturally within the first few weeks postnatally, it is beneficial to be assessed by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
POSSIBLE CAUSES:
- Stretching due to the growing baby
- Hormonal change
- Large baby or twins
- Subsequent pregnancies
- Repetitive heavy lifting
- Constipation & straining
- Chronic cough
- Genetic predisposition to laxity
- Some forms of exercise
- Excessive pregnancy weight gain
HOW WE CAN HELP:
- A specific modified abdominal exercise program will strengthen your muscles along with advanced emsculpt machine to ensure optimal recovery.
- Advice about activity modification and return to general exercise.
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You can book a Physiotherapy consultation with us today – at a time and date that suits your schedule. Click below to begin.