Diastasis recti is relatively common in Singapore, especially among women who have gone through multiple pregnancies, had large babies, or experienced high weight gain during pregnancy.
Studies indicate that around 40–50% of women continue to experience abdominal separation postpartum, even up to several months or longer if not addressed with physical therapy or exercise.
Additionally, factors such as age, twins or multiple pregnancies, and higher weight gain during pregnancy contribute to a higher likelihood of diastasis recti persisting beyond the postpartum period.
A simple self-check can help you determine if you might have diastasis recti.
Here’s how:
1. Lie flat on your back with knees bent.
2. Place one hand behind your head for support, and gently lift your head and shoulders off
the ground, engaging your core slightly.
3. With your other hand, press your fingers gently along the midline of your abdomen, just
above the belly button.
4. Feel for any gaps between the muscles. A gap of more than two fingers is generally
considered diastasis recti.
If you suspect that you have diastasis recti, we encourage you to visit our physiotherapists, who can confirm the diagnosis and provide personalised guidance.
At PhysioMatters, your physiotherapist will evaluate the separation and health of your abdominal muscles through hands-on palpation and real-time ultrasound imaging. This assessment helps in accurately determining the extent of diastasis recti and identifying any associated muscle weakness or dysfunction.
Based on this evaluation, a personalised exercise plan will be developed, focusing on targeted exercises to effectively strengthen your core and promote closure of the abdominal wall.
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