Self-development 

Diastasis after childbirth - how to return to previous forms. We correct the stomach: diastasis is not a sentence

The rectus muscles are two vertically located muscular strands lying in the middle of the abdominal wall from its upper edge to the lower sections. Each of the two muscle formations is surrounded by a dense shell - an aponeurosis. The fibers of neighboring aponeuroses are intertwined, forming a “white line” between the rectus muscles, located vertically in the middle of the abdomen. It has a belly button. Normally, the width of the white line is up to 2 cm.

What is diastasis rectus abdominis?

Under the influence of certain factors, there is a weakening, stretching of the fibers that form the white line, and the muscle strands diverge to the sides. This discrepancy is what the medical term "diastasis" means. It is present in about 1 in 100 people.

Causes

The disease is more common in women. The predominant form is diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth. The most dangerous time for this is the first months. The likelihood of developing pathology increases after cesarean section, since the integrity of the muscle aponeurosis is violated, and its ability to contract decreases.

The connective tissue, which, in particular, consists of the aponeurosis of the abdominal muscles, becomes looser under the influence of hormones during pregnancy. This allows the ligaments of the pelvis to prepare for the passage of the baby through the birth canal. In addition, stretching the muscles is necessary for the normal growth of the baby in the uterus. After the birth of a baby, the connective tissue spontaneously strengthens, the shape of the abdomen is restored within a year. If you do not give the body time to rehabilitate and start intense training or do hard physical work, the connective tissue will not contract and will be fixed in a stretched position. There will be a divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles.

Obesity contributes to the appearance of this disease, as well as a rapid decrease in body weight, when the aponeurosis does not have time to contract behind the muscles that have lost volume, as a result of which its “surplus” is formed.

Muscle divergence can be facilitated by any factor that increases pressure in the abdominal cavity: persistent hacking cough, hard work, sports associated with weight lifting, chronic constipation.

Finally, in medicine there is such a thing as connective tissue dysplasia. This is a congenital condition characterized by an altered structure of the ligaments, tendons and other elements that make up the basis of the body. Dysplasia is manifested, in particular, by increased extensibility of the connective tissue. Therefore, hernias of different localization and muscle diastasis can occur.

The causes of diastasis of the abdominal muscles in men are all of the above factors, of course, except for pregnancy.

Classification and manifestations

Depending on the clinical signs, the following degrees of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles are sufficiently conventionally distinguished:

  1. The distance between the edges of the muscle cords, measured midway between the navel and the lower edge (xiphoid process) of the sternum, does not exceed 7 cm. The condition occurs in women after childbirth and usually does not change the appearance of the abdomen. Symptoms accompanying this stage are dull pain in the epigastric region, of weak strength, nausea, sometimes bloating and constipation, as well as discomfort and shortness of breath when walking.
  2. Diastasis is from 7 to 10 cm. At the same time, the lateral muscles begin to relax, the shape of the abdomen changes, it sags, a vertical protrusion is determined in the middle, and a depression in the prone position.
  3. The pronounced discrepancy is more than 10 cm. There is a significant cosmetic defect. The muscles of the press weaken. Prolapse of organs develops, which is accompanied by various manifestations - constipation, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, disorders of the genitourinary system. At the same time, hernias of the white line or navel appear - protrusions of the aponeurosis through which intestinal loops or omentum sections penetrate. Incarcerated hernia requires urgent surgery and may be complicated by peritonitis.

So, the progression of the disease can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, when it appears, you need to consult a doctor.

How to determine the presence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles at home?

To do this, lie on the floor and raise your head, looking at your stomach. In this case, the abdominal muscles should be slightly reduced. With the appearance of a vertical roller in the middle of the abdomen, one can assume the presence of diastasis. With severe obesity, the tension of the abdominal muscles, on the contrary, will manifest itself as a deepening of the depression between the rectus muscles.

Additional diagnostics is based on the data of ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the abdominal wall. Data on diastasis can also be obtained during the study of the abdominal cavity for another reason, for example, using computed tomography.

Conservative therapy for diastasis

Elimination of diastasis is possible both conservatively and surgically, which depends on the severity of the pathology and the time of its existence.

Treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth is carried out conservatively for 12 months and only in the presence of stage 1 of the disease. It is based on physical exercises that help the muscles and connective tissue of the abdominal wall to regain their shape.

Within a year after childbirth, you do not need to strain your abdominal muscles. This will lead to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and an even more pronounced stretching of the already weakened aponeurosis. The best exercise option is swimming, walking. It is better to choose a set of exercises together with a specialist in physiotherapy exercises. If a woman does this on her own, she must remember the ban on raising her legs, torso from her original prone position.

Exercises for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles

  1. The well-known "cat" will help the muscles of the abdominal wall contract better, while restoring the aponeurosis itself. Standing on all fours, arch your back in an arc, gently pulling in your stomach and taking a slow breath. Then straighten your back, but without arching, exhaling. Perform 10 times.
  2. Lie on your back and bend your legs. While inhaling, raise the buttocks, leaning on the feet, as you exhale, lower back. Perform 10 times.
  3. From the same starting position, raise your head and neck, trying to press your chin to your chest. At the same time, hands can be pulled forward, helping the shoulders to rise. Make sure that the press is not subjected to undue stress. Perform 10 times.
  4. In the same position, but the feet are raised up. We lower one leg until the heel touches the floor and slide it along the floor until it straightens out. The other leg at this time continues to remain in a bent position on weight. Perform 10 times. This exercise is quite difficult and creates a lot of stress, so it must be performed with caution; however, it helps strengthen the obliques.
  5. Lay a long enough towel or scarf on the floor and lie down on it. Take the ends of the fabric in fists, cross your arms. Raise your head and neck. Perform 10 times.

Gymnastics with diastasis is carried out several times a week. It should not cause soreness or erratic breathing. Otherwise, reduce the intensity of the load. Before starting the exercises, do a little warm-up - slow torso turns to the sides, breathing exercises. It is advisable to regularly consult with your doctor before starting training and during their process. It is important not to miss the moment when treatment without surgery will no longer be promising.

In addition to physiotherapy exercises, with diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, the doctor may advise a bandage. It is recommended to wear it immediately after childbirth for several hours a day, especially during physical activity and exercise therapy. This elastic corset helps the abdominal muscles not to stretch under the influence of loads. It is useful for the prevention of postpartum diastasis.

Massage

Massage will provide additional assistance with diastasis of the abdominal muscles. It is performed with light movements. Use massage oil or cream with panthenol. The hands are placed on the center of the abdomen, warm it, then begin circular movements clockwise. First, light strokes are carried out in a circle of large diameter, gradually the massage area decreases, and the pressure intensity increases. At the end of the procedure, you should perform a few light strokes from the bottom up. You should not seriously rely on a significant effect from such a procedure, however, in combination with other measures, it will help to cope with mild muscle diastasis that occurs after childbirth.

Why is it necessary to take measures to treat pathology? In addition to the obvious aesthetic defect, pregnancy can be difficult with diastasis of the abdominal muscles. A weak abdominal wall will not be able to participate in the birth act, which will lead to complications in the next birth. Finally, with the progression of diastasis, there is a risk of developing hernias and their subsequent infringement.

Surgical treatment

The disease tends to progress. Often a late visit to the doctor leads to the need for surgical intervention.

Indications for surgery:

  • the duration of the existence of diastasis for more than a year and the ineffectiveness of conservative methods;
  • 2 and 3 stages of pathology.

Depending on how the intervention is performed, the operation for diastasis of the abdominal muscles implies either a wide incision of the tissues of the abdominal wall, or a low-traumatic procedure using laparoscopic techniques. In both cases, a mesh implant is often used, which is installed in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdamaged muscles and mechanically strengthens them. During such an operation, the surgeon can eliminate the patient's umbilical hernia, perform plastic elimination of the abdominal deformity ().

Methods of surgical treatment:

  • traditional;
  • minimally invasive.

Traditional interventions

They involve making a long incision in the abdominal wall. After the operation, the patient needs a long period of rehabilitation. In the first three months, there are restrictions on lifting weights (no more than 10 kg) and playing sports. Longer and time of disability. In addition, with such interventions, there is a risk of recurrence of diastasis and complications; they do not provide the proper cosmetic effect. Therefore, in large clinics they are trying to abandon traditional interventions.

Nevertheless, these operations have the right to exist and can still be performed on patients with advanced cases of the disease or in the absence of trained personnel and the necessary medical equipment in the medical institution.

The Championer method involves suturing the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles with two rows of interrupted sutures placed on the sheaths (outer shells) of the muscles. As a result, muscle groups are attracted to the midline.

The Napalkov method is the removal of the excess part of the aponeurosis (the connective tissue sheath that covers the muscles) on both sides and the stitching of its edges. When using the Martynov method, the aponeurosis is dissected only on one side and sewn “overlapped” onto the muscle membrane from the opposite side.

Cockerling's method - sewing in a polypropylene mesh that imitates aponeurosis and a white line.

The Voznesensky method includes opening the abdominal cavity, stitching the muscles directly and tightening them. Then the excess aponeurosis that covered the muscles is removed, and its edges are also sutured.

How to remove diastasis if there is a hernia of the white line at the same time?

There is a Troitsky operation, during which the surgeon not only restores the integrity of the aponeurosis, but also carefully removes the hernial sac and surrounding scar tissue.

Minimally invasive interventions

Elimination of muscle diastasis using endoscopic techniques is a modern method of treating this disease. The operation requires a stay in the hospital for only 1-2 days, while patients note the practical absence of discomfort after the intervention. Physical activity is possible after 2 weeks, and after a month a person can return to normal life.

Endoscopic techniques very rarely lead to a recurrence of the disease (1%). There are no noticeable scars on the skin of the abdomen after them, which gives an excellent aesthetic effect. To make it even better, it is recommended not to expose the abdomen to direct sunlight for a year after the operation, in other words, not to sunbathe with an open stomach.

With endoscopic correction of the pathology, it is possible to simultaneously carry out some additional interventions, in particular, to remove an ovarian cyst or stones from the gallbladder. In this case, the abdominal cavity is not opened wide, the instruments are inserted through small punctures in the abdominal wall. This helps to avoid the development of adhesions in the future and significantly reduces the risk of infectious complications and bleeding during surgery.

Endoscopic repair of the defect is performed either under general anesthesia or under epidural anesthesia. This allows such an operation to be performed in people with severe comorbidities or in elderly patients. Small skin incisions are made in the "bikini area" and in the navel, through which the surgeon inserts instruments and stitches the edges of the muscles. This operation can be combined with . Within a month after the intervention, it is recommended to use a bandage.

Laparoscopic surgery can be performed using blind plication. During it, gas is introduced into the abdominal cavity, as a result of which the peritoneum and aponeurosis "inflate". The doctor, using special tools, sews and tightens them along the entire length of the identified discrepancy. With a large diastasis, a mesh implant is additionally installed under the muscles.

There is an option to simultaneously get rid of diastasis and remove an umbilical hernia, followed by the imposition of a mesh prosthesis.

Abdominoplasty with elimination of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles

It is the removal of excess fat and skin, followed by suturing (tightening) of the aponeurosis. Getting rid of muscle discrepancy is the key to the formation of a flat stomach and a beautiful waist. If diastasis is not eliminated, then the stomach will take on a rounded, protruding shape due to the parted abdominal muscles. This operation allows you to achieve the maximum aesthetic effect.

Speaking about the surgical treatment of diastasis, it should be mentioned that the sooner the patient sees a doctor, the better the result will be. Modern technologies make it possible to perform the operation with minimal trauma and a very low probability of relapses and complications.

Diastasis is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. This term may be encountered by women who have given birth to a child. Postpartum diastasis is difficult to correct, but not a single pregnant woman is immune from it. To overcome the problem, it is necessary to study it from the inside, to know why it appears.

Diastasis appears due to the divergence and thinning of the white line of the abdomen, as a result of which the muscles are stretched. Most often occurs in multiparous women, as well as women in labor aged.

Diastasis after childbirth is a serious cosmetic problem that causes not only physical but also emotional discomfort. The woman's belly does not look attractive, it loses its former elasticity, becomes sagging and bulging.

Diastasis during pregnancy is a natural process. The uterus gradually increases in size, and with it the stomach grows, the muscles stretch and diverge.

The discrepancy can reach 10 cm. Normally, the distance between the rectus muscles is up to 1.5 cm. Diastasis of 2 fingers (2 cm) or more is already considered a pathology.

After the baby is born, the muscles gradually contract and converge towards the center. The abdomen takes on its former shape, as before childbirth. For some reason, this does not happen. Causes of diastasis:

  • increased intra-abdominal pressure due to severe overstrain of the abdomen, including as a result of improper straining;
  • large fetal weight;
  • the birth of the 2nd or 3rd child;
  • congenital muscle weakness;
  • too much weight gain during pregnancy or excessive weight loss in the first months after childbirth.

This problem occurs in 40% of women in labor.

An important role in the appearance of diastasis is played by heredity and individual structural features of the body. The risk group includes thin women, but women in labor with a dense physique rarely encounter this problem.

It should be noted that diastasis is a fairly common problem after. After the operation, it is more problematic to return to its former shape than after natural childbirth.

What is dangerous?

Why is diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles dangerous in women? Do not think that this is just a cosmetic defect. The problem is much more serious. As a result of stretching and displacement of the muscles, the integrity and strength of the anterior abdominal wall is violated. This causes health problems. A woman may experience pain in the lumbar region, suffer from urinary incontinence.

Diastasis leads to displacement of the abdominal organs, respectively, their functioning is disrupted. Appears shortness of breath, heartburn, belching sour, digestive problems, flatulence, constipation. A common complication is an umbilical hernia, so diastasis must be dealt with.

stages

There are 3 degrees of diastasis. The stage is determined depending on the magnitude of the discrepancy. The likelihood of complications and further treatment depends on it.

Stages:

  • First. The expansion is up to 6 cm, despite this there are no external signs. The first stage is typical for primiparas. In the epigastric region, aching pains may appear, which are aggravated by walking.
  • Second. Expansion 6-9 cm, lateral muscles relax in the lower sections. A bulging belly appears, it sticks out at the bottom.
  • Third. The expansion is more than 9 cm. The muscles diverge in the lower and upper sections, the internal organs are displaced, there is a possibility of an umbilical hernia. The abdomen looks very ugly, you might think that the woman who gave birth is still in position.

How to determine?

Signs - a bulging abdomen, no muscle tone, with muscle tension, a tubercle appears in the navel area. It is quite simple to determine the disease on your own, since a feature of the pathology is that there are no muscles in the center of the abdomen (along the white line).

To find out about diastasis, you need to do this test at home:

  • lie on your back, bend your legs at the knees, raise your head without lifting your shoulders and feet from the floor;
  • tighten the stomach, as if shaking the lower press.

A protrusion along the center line indicates a divergence of the muscles.

Diastasis of the abdominal muscles can be determined in a different way. Lie on the floor, legs bent at the knees. Put the left hand behind the head, the right hand on the navel. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor, tighten your muscles. Press the fingers of the right hand on the center of the abdomen. Diastasis can be judged if the fingers have gone deep into the skin at a distance of more than 2 cm.

The most accurate way to determine the presence of a discrepancy and its degree is with the help of ultrasound.

Which doctor should I contact with diastasis?

A surgeon should deal with diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, but you can consult a therapist or gynecologist for advice. A fitness instructor can draw up a treatment program.

Treatment

The basis of treatment is wearing a bandage and physical activity. Auxiliary techniques include massage and body wraps. In the presence of complications or progression of the pathology, surgical intervention is indispensable.

How to remove the stomach? One of the most effective ways is swimming. Classes contribute to the strengthening of all muscle groups and ligaments, the formation of a strong muscle corset. They help tone the stomach and get rid of sagging sides.

Exercises

With diastasis, static and dynamic exercises are shown. The duration of the workout is 5-10 minutes, you need to do it 2 times a day. To warm up the muscles, you can twist the hoop for 10-15 minutes.

You can get rid of diastasis after childbirth with the help of such exercises:

  • In a standing position, tighten the deep abdominal muscles for 30 seconds. On the exhale, relax.
  • Lie on your back, legs bent at the knees, feet on the floor. Raise the pelvis as much as possible, tighten the abdominal muscles, linger for 30 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
  • Having taken the position as in the previous exercise, raise your head for 30 seconds, do not tear your shoulders off the floor, pull your stomach in. Do 10-20 repetitions.
  • Do squats along the wall, with a Pilates ball sandwiched between your knees. Back and arms along the wall, sit down to form a 90˚ angle, linger for 30 seconds.
  • Lie on the floor, arms along the body. Bend and unbend the legs, do not tear off the feet, they should slide on the floor.
  • Do squats, enough 20-25 times.

Recovery can take up to 6-12 months. On average, women in labor with stage 1 manage to recover in 2-3 months. With 2 or 3 degrees, recovery can take a year.

Bandage

The bandage is not able to get rid of the problem, but it will prevent further stretching of the muscles. In the absence of contraindications, it should be worn immediately after childbirth. You can not raise the baby without wearing a postpartum bandage. It keeps the stomach in a retracted position, but you need to try and keep the stomach retracted yourself.

Massage

Massage will not give a positive result without gymnastics. Therefore, in the first place is a set of exercises. In the absence of contraindications, manual and hardware massage can be used. The average course is 10 procedures for 10-15 minutes.

Manual massage can be done independently at home. It is necessary to lie on your back, feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees. Alternately apply such techniques - circular and oblique strokes, sliding, indentation, rolling with the edge of the palm, tapping, massaging with fingertips. Repeat each technique 5 times, end the session with stroking.

Moisturizing creams and oils can be used during massages. After that, chocolate and honey wrapping is used.

Before using cosmetics for massage, it is worth doing an allergy test.

Surgery

If surgery is indicated to eliminate diastasis, you should not hesitate. The more neglected the problem, the greater the trauma of the operation.

Indications for surgical correction:

  • 2 or 3 stage diastasis;
  • the presence of complications;
  • existence of the problem for more than 1 year;
  • inefficiency of conservative methods.

There are 2 types of surgery - tension and non-tension plastic. In the first case, the tissues of the anterior abdominal wall are used, the edges are pulled together, and the muscles are sutured.

Tension-free plasty can be performed using an endoscope. To maintain the muscular corset, an implant is used, which serves as a partition between the right and left half of the rectus muscles.

What can not be done with diastasis?

You can restore muscle tone and return the prenatal shape of the abdomen with the help of physical exercises. But not all physical activity will be beneficial. Swinging the press with diastasis is categorically contraindicated. It is best to limit yourself to wearing a bandage and after 2-3 months the problem will disappear.

Do not perform exercises that increase intra-abdominal pressure and stretch the white line. This:

  • jumping;
  • push-up;
  • fitball exercises;
  • exercises lying on the stomach;
  • "kitty";
  • "bar";
  • "scissors";
  • "bike";
  • "twisting";
  • raising straight legs in a supine position;
  • breathing exercises that involve protrusion of the abdomen.

Also, you can not carry weights, sleep on your stomach and slouch. When coughing, support your stomach with your hands.

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles is a fairly common problem, especially relevant for women after childbirth.

Changes in the body after pregnancy can be difficult to accept, especially when they cause discomfort not only on the psychological, but also on the physical level.

About 15% of women who have given birth face muscle strain, and because of such a comparative rarity of the problem, there are various legends about it. Three years ago, my older sister encountered them in practice: stories on the forums, reviews of other mothers about the treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth, and the myths associated with this scared her a lot.

I had to get down to business and study the topic in detail, involving competent doctors in the process. The sister calmed down and after a few months she regained her shape - well, now I will be happy to share with you the experience and information that we discovered during the research, and tips on how to deal with the problem.

Complete educational program on diastasis

In the very center of the abdomen, the so-called rectus muscle passes from top to bottom - this is what we see when we pump up nice “cubes” of the press in the gym. Despite the name, implying a single number, the rectus muscle actually consists of two mirror halves, separated by a white line - a band of connective tissue, consisting mainly of collagen.

Hormonal changes and growth of the uterus during pregnancy lead to a decrease in the tone of the white line and a change in its structure (by the way, it is because of this that a brown vertical stripe appears on the abdomen in pregnant women). This is necessary for the normal development of the fetus, which requires more and more space in the mother's womb. After childbirth, the softened white line and rectus muscle gradually return to their normal state.

With diastasis, this process slows down or turns off altogether. Between the left and right halves of the rectus muscle remains a subcutaneous "gap" filled with the connective tissue of the white line.

Tip: As a rule, tissue recovery after childbirth takes six to ten weeks. Don't worry about diastasis prematurely and let your body bounce back naturally.

It is worth noting that stretching of the rectus abdominis muscles can appear not only after childbirth. The reasons may be too hard physical exercises, excessive weight lifting, as well as diseases leading to a weakening of the connective tissue (hernia, varicose veins, etc.). Accordingly, not only women suffer from diastasis: men and children are also prone to this problem.


Myths about muscle strain after childbirth

The Internet is full of unconfirmed information. This is especially true for the topics of health and beauty - those that women take most to heart. Diastasis is located right at the intersection of these two topics, and there are plenty of myths about him on the net - myths that can bring even the calmest girls to hysterics. This happened to my sister: after googling a little, she came to me with square eyes and burst into tears, because she had already managed to “wind up” a life-long physical imperfection and an inevitable divorce. So that nothing like this comes to your mind, I will give all the common myths at once. So, say this problem:

  1. Irreversibly changes the very structure of abdominal tissues
  2. Definitely causes pain
  3. Becomes the cause of a lifelong "mommy tummy"
  4. Leads to constant weakness and almost atrophy of the abdominal muscles
  5. May cause bowel prolapse (hernia)

Ladies! All this is a FALSE. Do not be fooled by publications with such statements, but if anxiety prevails over common sense, go for a consultation with a doctor. We selected a qualified specialist for my sister, who thoroughly and calmly dispelled all her worries.


Advice: if you decide that you need a professional, approach the choice consciously. Some doctors - most often, unfortunately, in state institutions - do not have the tact and temperament necessary to communicate with the delicate psyche of women who have recently given birth. Do not add to your worries also the experience of poor service!

Predisposition and prevention

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of diastasis rectus abdominis after childbirth. These include:

  1. Petite or, conversely, obese physique
  2. Pregnancy with twins, triplets, etc.
  3. Second and subsequent pregnancies
  4. Late waiting age for a baby
  5. Poor muscle tone
  6. Curvature of the spine back in the thoracic region (kyphosis)

In addition, if you had diastasis after a previous pregnancy, the chance of having it again becomes almost one hundred percent.

But there is good news: the development of the problem can be prevented with a fairly high probability. If you are just planning a pregnancy or want to carry out prevention for the future, sports will be the best way: trained abdominal muscles quickly return their tone and natural position after the birth of the baby.


Well, during pregnancy, the main preventive method will be the absence of stress on the rectus abdominis muscles. To minimize them as much as possible, do not wear heavy things and refuse shoes with heels (the changed center of gravity makes the abs tense). Get up from a lying position by rolling onto your side and helping yourself with your hands, instead of getting up using the muscle strength of the press.

Tip: Wearing maternity corsages also helps reduce muscle strain.

Degrees and types of muscle divergence

Doctors distinguish between several degrees of severity of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles. It is important to know them for self-diagnosis, which will be discussed in the next section:

  1. The first stage of the problem is characterized by an expansion of the white line by four to five centimeters. Changes in the shape of the abdomen are minimal or completely invisible to the eye.
  2. The second stage is the divergence of the muscles by six to ten centimeters. The change in the shape of the abdomen becomes noticeable visually - it bulges forward, and the skin in the middle becomes flabby.
  3. In the third stage, the muscles are separated from each other by a considerable distance - up to fifteen centimeters. The abdomen sags strongly, the skin is flabby. The third stage can provoke an umbilical hernia, so it is better to treat it under the supervision of a specialist.

In addition to this classification, diastasis of the rectus muscles differs in appearance: a divergence above the navel, below it and over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe abdomen. The differences are best seen in the live photo.

How to determine for yourself

Well, now about the main thing: how to determine if you have a divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles. This is a simple procedure, but remember: it should be carried out no earlier than a month and a half after childbirth - the tissues are still recovering during this period, and there is a high probability that diastasis “discovered” too early will pass by itself.


To test for muscle separation, lie on your back. Place the fingertips of one hand in the center of the abdomen. Then raise your head without straining your shoulders: this will lead to a slight contraction of the abdominal muscles. Without lowering your head, lightly press with your fingertips on your stomach. The "symptoms" of the presence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth during such a test are well traced both to the touch and visually in the form of a "failure" under the skin, right in the middle of the abdomen, between the right and left rectus muscles.

Tip: measuring the size of the discrepancy in centimeters is inconvenient on your own, and therefore remember - with the first degree, two or three fingers are placed in the “hole”, with the second - four or five, more - with the third.

Repeat the procedure for the areas above and below the navel. If during self-diagnosis you have difficulties, contact a surgeon for a test or go for an ultrasound scan. The latter is especially true for ladies of a magnificent physique - a manual study may not give reliable results even with the participation of a specialist.

Treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth

For the treatment of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth, two main methods are used: exercises or surgery. The preference for one or the other depends on the severity of muscle divergence. The first stage is easily treated with proper physical activity. If you start on time, the exercises can help with the second stage of the problem. With the third, an operation is almost always prescribed.

Tip: Don't worry too much if you're suffering from severe muscle divergence. Modern methods of surgical intervention are effective and leave virtually no traces - I will talk about this in more detail in the section below.


Choose the right workout exercises

Exercises

The natural desire that most women have is to start pumping the press to strengthen the muscles and force them to “fall into place”. This is what my sister thought about in the first place - and this is how she managed to increase her diastasis from the first to the second stage. This approach is fundamentally wrong: abdominal exercises can only aggravate the condition, as well as some yoga poses and fitness techniques. Here is a complete list of what NOT to do:

  1. Lying on a fitness ball
  2. Practice yoga techniques of breathing with the stomach (vacuum, “fire breathing”, etc.)
  3. Practice asanas aimed at stretching the abdominal muscles (gomukhasana, adho mukha svanasana, etc.)
  4. Standard abdominal exercises (crunches, crunches, planks, push-ups, etc.)
  5. Any exercise that requires you to take a knee-elbow position

In addition, any gravity remains prohibited - which, by the way, includes your newborn child. It is recommended to wear it exclusively with the use of a special belt or sling, while not forgetting to put on a bandage to fix the abdomen.

So, with what you can not do, figured out. What set of exercises to choose for the successful treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth at home? My sister was advised by the doctor to do five types of exercises, which I will discuss below.

The first is lifting the pelvis from a prone position. To do this, you need to lie on your back on a hard surface and bend your knees. Resting your feet on the floor, slowly lift your hips up: this involves the muscles of the press and buttocks. At the top, when your body is in a straight line from knees to shoulders, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly lower back down. The exercise is repeated ten times, and you need to do it three times a day (in a row with a short rest between sets or at another convenient time - for example, in the morning, afternoon and evening).

The second exercise is a variation of the first, only now, along with raising the pelvis, it is necessary to raise one leg - so that at the peak point it forms a single line with the body. Everything else is done in exactly the same way, and you need to repeat the reception once a day, ten times for each leg.


For the third exercise, the wall squat, you will need a small fitness ball, or a Pilates ball. The exercise is performed like this:

  1. Choose a flat wall to lean against
  2. Press your back against her so that she is as straight as possible
  3. Slowly lower your back against the wall until your knees are bent at a right angle.
  4. Hold the ball between your knees and stay in this position for about half a minute
  5. Slowly return to the starting straight position without releasing the ball

You need to repeat the exercise five times once a day.

The next technique is slides with your feet. To do this, lie on your back on a flat hard surface. Put your hands under your head and stretch, and then, raising your legs, begin to make movements as if climbing stairs. Take twenty "steps", rest and repeat two more times - there will be three sets in total.

Tip: If you feel like your abs are getting too tight, ask someone to hold you by the shoulders, pressing you to the floor. So you can reduce the load without too much affecting the effectiveness of the exercise.

The last exercise is crunches. If you were attentive, then you should think: crunches, it seems, are banned ... If you think about it, well done. The secret is that we reduce the load by wrapping the torso with a towel, at the same time and providing the stomach with the necessary fixation. So, the exercise is performed like this:

  1. Wrap the towel around your torso, paying particular attention to the problem area.
  2. Lie on your back and take the ends of the towel in your hands crosswise
  3. Start crunching by lifting your head, neck and shoulders.
  4. At the same time, pull the ends of the towel, easing the muscle load.

Do ten repetitions. Like the first exercise, you need to perform crunches in three sets.


If you do the exercises at least three times a week (it’s better, of course, not to idle and do it every day), noticeable results will appear in one and a half to two months. Well, after six months or a year, the tummy will completely return to normal. So, my sister coped with a six-centimeter muscle discrepancy in eight months of training.

Tip: The effect will be faster and more noticeable if you combine exercise with a quality diet and plenty of outdoor exercise. The abundance of oxygen has a beneficial effect on the ability of tissues to recover.

Surgery

With diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth of the third degree, the operation becomes the most successful and logical choice, given the severity of the condition and possible complications. Surgical treatment helps to effectively strengthen the abdominal wall to prevent the problem from recurring. There are two main types of operations:

  1. Tension plastic with local tissues
  2. Laparoscopy with the use of a mesh endoprosthesis

The second option is preferable, since it leaves practically no traces and makes it possible to exclude relapse with confidence. Details about the operation will be given to you by the surgeon at the clinic, as the details may vary depending on the doctor, the technology used, etc.

That's all you need to know about diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth. I hope that the information will help you successfully deal with the problem and look at your before and after photos with admiration in the shortest possible time, admiring the excellent results. Good luck!

A flat stomach “with or without cubes” - almost any person would like to be their owner, but sometimes the dream figure becomes an inaccessible reality for a number of reasons - due to the structure of tissues, changes in the figure after pregnancy and childbirth. One of the common causes of an unaesthetic, bulging abdomen is diastasis of the rectus muscles.

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles is a condition when a discrepancy, a “failure” appears between the rectus abdominal muscles, along the midline, and when straining, an abnormal protrusion appears. Longitudinal muscle fibers move away from each other by several centimeters. The disease should not be confused with an umbilical hernia or a hernia of the white line of the abdomen. It is not so dangerous because of infringement of the internal organs and rather an aesthetic problem (especially for the beautiful half of the population).

Diastasis rectus abdominis causes and symptoms

Most often, the problem worries women, diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth appears in almost every fourth woman in labor. Particularly susceptible to excessive stretching of the rectus aponeurosis are miniature mothers of two or more children with a slender constitution. The least risky are women who went in for sports before pregnancy, of a dense physique. Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles in men often appears with an incorrectly selected set of strength exercises, and in young athletes due to coaching errors. The constitutional features of children can provoke the appearance of the disease in the absence of an individual approach to the choice of exercises. The so-called dysplastic children have a congenital weakness of the connective tissue, which also consists of a bridge (aponeurosis) between the muscles. Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles in a child: with the existing weakness of the connective tissue, with constant loads leading to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, an abnormal divergence of the rectus superficial abdominal muscles is formed. Young dysplastic athletes can be identified by a number of features:

  1. identify the MARSS syndrome - small anomalies of the heart;
  2. valgus shape of the lower extremities (X-shaped legs);
  3. flat feet with hallux valgus (most of the load falls on the inner edge of the foot);
  4. frequent subluxations of the ankles.

In pregnant women, a temporary state of thinning, “softening” of tissues along the midline of the abdomen leads to:

  • an increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to a growing uterus;
  • bring their contribution hormonal changes, which contribute to greater compliance of the ligamentous apparatus of the pelvic bones (for the safe passage of the fetus through the birth canal).


Diastasis rectus abdominis photo. Classification of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles by type.

Repeated births with diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles lead to an even greater intermuscular defect. Often, women, in an attempt to regain their former forms, resort to hard strength training, but an incorrectly selected set of exercises for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth leads to great disappointment - muscle divergence may increase due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure during exercise. And the annoying bulge of the abdomen will not disappear, because it is impossible to train the aponeurosis (the tissue between the muscles) - there are no muscle fibers there and it will not decrease after exercise. exercises.

Symptoms

Usually, the manifestations of the disease are not pronounced, patients are more concerned about sagging of the abdomen, changing the figure. With a significant degree of diastasis, symptoms may appear:

  • Pain, discomfort in the abdomen, aggravated by physical exertion;
  • Dyspeptic manifestations - constipation, bloating, nausea;
  • Splanchoptosis - omission, displacement of the abdominal organs with the corresponding symptoms;
  • Discomfort while walking, standing;
  • Atrophy of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.

How to determine diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles

At home, how to check diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles? There is a simple method. In many cases, diastasis is “striking” even without additional examination - right along the midline on the abdomen when coughing, straining, a longitudinal roller is formed, sometimes up to several tens of centimeters long. If the diastasis is not so pronounced, you can conduct a simple test:

  1. You need to lie on your back, bending your knees and resting your feet on the floor surface;
  2. Raise one hand and place it under your head;
  3. Place the fingers of the second hand along the midline of the abdomen at waist level, above and below the navel, slightly pressing them on the abdominal wall;
  4. Lift the upper body while twisting the torso;
  5. When lifting, determine the appeared diastasis, its width. Usually it is felt as a kind of "failure" of the fingers deep into the abdomen, between the muscles.

By the distance felt by the fingers, one can approximately establish diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, its degree. One finger is taken as 1 cm (approximately). Normally, the width of the aponeurosis between the rectus muscles (they are the most superficial and powerful) is no more than 2 cm.

1 degree diastasis - if a discrepancy of more than 3 cm is detected - up to 7 cm.

2 degree diagnosed with a defect of 7-10 cm.

3rd degree process - the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles is more than 10 cm, a constant protrusion along the midline, a change in the configuration of the abdomen.


In women, a diastasis of 2.5 cm or even more can be determined in the period of several weeks after childbirth. In most cases, the situation changes for the better after a month and a half. To increase the chances of returning to the previous figure, it is necessary to correct nutrition already in the very early postpartum period, start specialized exercises to strengthen the abdominal press (this will also have a beneficial effect on uterine contractility and the prevention of late postpartum hemorrhage).

Consultation with your obstetrician-gynecologist is obligatory!!!

Not all strength exercises on the anterior abdominal wall can improve the situation, on the contrary. The exercise therapy complex for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles excludes exercises with lifting and twisting of the torso, including on the Swedish wall.

What is impossible?


Prohibited exercises for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles video, photo

The “correct” exercises for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles are the Pilates system. Such exercises will help strengthen the deep transverse muscle, which duplicates the stretched aponeurosis. The transverse muscle will help maintain adequate intra-abdominal pressure and keep the abdominal organs in a normal position. Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles in men - the choice of exercises is the same as for women.

Diastasis rectus abdominis a set of exercises

Lying on your back, perform breathing exercises with a delay and some tension on exhalation.

By analogy with Kegel exercises, strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor

Pelvic lifts in the supine position, with the shoulder girdle fixed on the floor

Treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles

Spontaneously, the situation with the appearance of a divergence of the abdominal muscles is not corrected.

For 1-2 degrees of diastasis, it is indicated to carry out adequate training, breathing exercises, adhere to a diet, and then we can expect an improvement in the condition of the muscle wall and a decrease in aesthetic defects. If diastasis has developed as a result of chronic lung diseases, digestive disorders, it is imperative to treat them as the root cause. Taping of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles is a modern and convenient auxiliary a method for correcting a defect, applying tapes can be learned quite quickly, the procedure is painless and does not cause inconvenience.

Given that the aponeurosis does not contain muscle fibers, with weakness of the deep muscles (including transverse), with the 3rd degree of diastasis, the logical and practically the only choice to eliminate the defect is surgery.


Operation diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles photo. The results of endoscopic surgery are without scars and scars.

In our center, the most popular and modern operations for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles are performed, endoscopic methods are used in accordance with international standards for the quality of medical care. According to the indications, the treatment is supplemented with abdominoplasty, liposuction - to improve the aesthetic effect of the operation.

As a result of surgical intervention, the patient's appearance changes dramatically for the better, and the traces of the operation are almost invisible.

Depending on the condition of the tissues in the diastasis area, the degree of protrusion and stretching of the abdomen, the weight of the patient, the following can be applied:

✔ Transumbilical video-assisted ventral alloabdominoplasty. The most sparing operation, without scars and scars - through a minimal incision in the umbilical region, only 4 cm long. With the help of a laparoscope and under visual control (the image from the endoscope camera is displayed on the screen, enlarged several times), a graft is placed under the anterior abdominal wall and fixed with sutures to underlying muscles. This graft is made entirely of materials that are inert (non-aggressive) to the body and do not cause allergic or immune reactions. Its mesh structure allows it to quickly assimilate with the patient's tissues. Such an operation may be accompanied by hernioplasty (if there is an umbilical hernia and diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles). There are no recurrences of diastasis, with endoscopic alloabdominoplasty the percentage of complications does not exceed 1%, and the postoperative period is minimized.

✔ Laparoscopic method of suturing diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles using the plication method- a variant of surgical treatment, when the defect of the aponeurosis is eliminated by approaching and stitching the muscles together, while the peritoneum is sutured along with the aponeurosis along the entire length of the diastasis. The operation is minimally invasive - the instruments are inserted into the operating area through two 3-4 cm incisions (near the navel and in the "bikini" area). Depending on the need, it can be supplemented with the use of an inert graft according to the IPOM method. This kind of “patch” is used if the discrepancy between the muscles is large or a hernia of the white line is detected.

Traditional operations, with open access (incision) - surgical aids, in some cases applicable and chosen by the doctor according to the indications (initial state of the tissues and the degree of diastasis, the presence of concomitant pathologies, etc.). But they are now being resorted to less and less, because after such treatment diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, after surgery, cosmetic defects (scars) remain and relapses are likely. And the postoperative period is quite long and painful.

There are several options for such “academic” operations:

  • Operation with extraperitoneal access according to Championer. Through an incision in the skin and subcutaneous fat, the surgeon gains access to the rectus muscles and aponeurosis, the muscles are sutured along the edge and pulled towards each other, the excess aponeurosis sinks inward.
  • Surgery for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles with intraperitoneal access according to Voskresensky. During the operation, the abdominal cavity is opened and a kind of duplication of the connection between the left and right rectus muscles by applying a double suture, first on the inner surface of the muscles facing the abdominal cavity, and then on the outer. In this case, excess aponeurosis and peritoneum are removed.
  • The Kockerling method of surgery is distinguished by the use of a mesh graft for plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall with access through a traditional incision.
  • Troitsky's method with intraperitoneal access is applicable if diastasis is accompanied by a postoperative hernia of the white line of the abdomen.

With diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, an operation, its price will depend on the chosen method of surgical intervention, the method of anesthesia and the subsequent rehabilitation period (the volume of rehabilitation and resuscitation measures). If you have diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, you can find out the real price for treatment after consulting a surgeon.

Postoperative period

After endoscopic interventions, the patient stays in the hospital for no more than 2 days, and after 14 days he can gradually return to the usual physical activity. Patients report feeling well already on the first day after surgery, because in most cases epidural anesthesia is used, which excludes a difficult recovery period after general anesthesia. A bandage for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles is recommended for everyone without fail for a period of 1 month.

In operations with a traditional access, the time for returning to a normal lifestyle is significantly lengthened; lifting weights of more than 10 kilograms and physical exercises for about 3 months are not recommended. The biggest negative point for patients in such cases is quite pronounced pain in the postoperative area in the first days and the appearance of a scar 10 cm or more in length. But these operations in some cases are the best choice in terms of prognosis.

In our clinic, all modern methods of surgical elimination of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles are used. Operations can be supplemented with abdominoplasty, liposuction, which is especially important in the treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth.

In 25% of women who have given birth, diastasis appears, often this occurs on the second and subsequent births or when carrying a large fetus, twins, triplets, etc. It also depends on the physique of the mother - in overweight women, the likelihood of diastasis of the rectus muscles after childbirth increases. There are several ways to cope with this problem - doing gymnastics, balanced nutrition, massages and operations.

What is diastasis

Postpartum diastasis is a divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles in the abdominal suture, the midline of the connective tissue of the abdominal wall. This is due to the strong pressure inside the abdomen and the weakness of the white line, which is softened by the hormone produced in large quantities during pregnancy. Under this influence, the muscles diverge, the stomach bulges. The problem needs to be dealt with, because in addition to a spoiled appearance, the divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles causes complications. There is a health hazard.

Causes

The pressure of the growing fetus on the abdominal wall during pregnancy stretches and thins the area between the rectus abdominis muscles. As a result of this process, the norm is stretching up to 2 cm, and 2.5-15 cm is already considered a problem, due to which diastasis may occur after childbirth. Reasons for exceeding the norm:

  • Not the first pregnancy. Diastasis is rare in women who give birth for the first time, but during this pregnancy, the rectus abdominis muscles weaken, so during subsequent births, a new load on the white line becomes critical.
  • Increased pressure of the uterus on the connective tissue due to an increase in the size of this reproductive organ. This happens with multiple pregnancies or excessive amounts of amniotic fluid.
  • Muscle weakness. During childbirth, the body produces the hormone relaxin, which helps soften and increase muscle elasticity, but makes connective tissues weaker.
  • Obesity. Pressure on the abdominal wall occurs from two sides, significantly reducing the tone of the abdominal muscles.
  • Heredity. Weak abdominal muscles can be a hereditary predisposition, so diastasis after childbirth in a woman whose mother, grandmother or other relatives have encountered this problem is a common occurrence.

stages

The rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth diverge to varying degrees, which determines the severity of diastasis after childbirth. Depending on the stage, a complex of treatment is selected:

  1. First stage. Stretching the white line within 5-7 cm. Such a divergence of the rectus muscles of the press practically does not affect the condition of the abdomen, but discomfort is possible (nausea, constipation, epigastric pain). Diastasis exercises and proper nutrition will help to cope with the postpartum problem.
  2. Second stage. The rectus abdominis muscles diverge more than 7 cm, and the lateral muscles relax. In addition, the stomach begins to bulge from below. The treatment is based on the same methods as for the first stage, but additional ones are selected individually.
  3. Third stage. The magnitude of the discrepancy along the white line exceeds 10 cm. In this case, the formation of umbilical hernias is possible, and the stomach bulges strongly, especially the lower section. At this stage, in the fight against diastasis, they often resort to surgical intervention.

Symptoms

Often, diastasis goes unnoticed, but pay attention to the presence of these symptoms:

  • bulging belly;
  • unexpressed waist;
  • unusual shape of the anterior abdominal wall;
  • convex navel;
  • aching pain when pressing on the press;
  • hyperemia of the skin of the abdomen;
  • back pain;
  • constipation;
  • belching;
  • fat accumulates from the abdomen.

Complications

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles after childbirth can bring not only aesthetic harm, but also a threat to health. Possible complications:

  • displacement and disruption of the internal organs;
  • umbilical hernia;
  • indigestion - heartburn, constipation, belching;
  • increased risk of malignant tumors;
  • curvature of the spine with frequent back pain;
  • atrophy of the abdominal muscles, which greatly reduces the ability to pump them up;
  • more protracted, difficult subsequent births;
  • pain in the abdomen, both at rest and when moving, bending over.

How to determine diastasis

The presence of postpartum diastasis can be determined at home. To do this, you need to follow a few simple steps:

  1. Sit on a flat surface, on your back.
  2. Bend your knees, firmly press your feet to the surface.
  3. Put one hand behind your head, tighten your abs a little.
  4. Feel the middle of the abdomen along the midline with the second hand.
  5. The presence of diastasis is confirmed if you feel that the muscles have parted and formed a hole, and when you raise your head, you will see a protrusion in the form of a roller with clear boundaries.

Treatment of diastasis

Before starting treatment, study the list of actions that are prohibited in the presence of diastasis:

  • take poses that create pressure on the midline of the press, increase intra-abdominal pressure, stretch the abdominal wall - navasana, mayurasana, nauli, balances on the hands, jumps, push-ups, side bends, a bridge, almost all exercises for training the press;
  • lift weights;
  • cycling.

To speed up the recovery process for diastasis after childbirth, follow these tips:

  • Put on the bandage before picking up the baby.
  • If you are coughing, put your hand on your stomach to prevent excessive swelling.
  • Don't sleep on your stomach. So you increase the pressure, which will negatively affect the abdominal muscles.
  • Keep your back straight and don't slouch.
  • Get out of bed and lie down on it in a lying position on your side.

Treatment of diastasis depends on the stage of the disease. So, in order to achieve a good effect in the first and second stages, you should use supporting devices, perform therapeutic exercises, anti-cellulite massages and eat right. A balanced diet includes a daily intake of protein foods and fiber-rich foods - grains, vegetables and fruits. In the third stage, only surgical intervention will help. Among the operations, there are abdominoplasty, tension plastic, traditional methods of suturing.

Supports

A postpartum bandage will help to remove a protruding belly. Doctors recommend starting to wear it already in the last months of pregnancy, easing the load on the muscles and holding back severe sprains, and after giving birth, put it on the wide side of the body. Therefore, buy a universal bandage. Wear it for 3 hours continuously, then take it off, rest, and put it on again. Calculate the wearing time so that it does not exceed 12 hours per day. If you had a caesarean section, you can buy a bandage to help heal the stitches.

In addition to the bandage, with the divergence of the rectus muscles of the press, corrective underwear is used. Wide belts and slimming shorts not only close the muscles, but visually make the figure more slender, hiding fat folds. High-quality underpants will also play the role of a corset that supports the spine in the right position - this way you will avoid herniated discs. At the same time, corrective underwear should not be worn immediately after the hospital, like a bandage. It is allowed to be worn only after 3 weeks. Choose this device so that it does not put pressure on the body and does not cause discomfort.

Another modern method in the treatment of diastasis is taping. Tape is a tape made of cotton with an adhesive backing. It fits snugly to the body, being a frame for damaged abdominal muscles. Taping restores the weakness of the press without causing anxiety. The patch is applied in the supine position along the rectus abdominis muscles with 50% tension. The tape does not interfere with an active lifestyle, it is valid 24 hours a day.

Massage

Useful for diastasis and massage. It accelerates the tightening of stretch marks and scars, stimulates metabolism, improves digestion, strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles. With the acceleration of metabolism, fat deposits leave the depot and are ready for removal. The skin after a massage with diastasis becomes elastic, smooth, but before you start doing it, you should consult a doctor and find out if there are any contraindications. There are several types of massage that will help with diastasis after childbirth:

  • Manual. After natural childbirth, it can be started after 2-3 weeks, after cesarean - at least 2 months later. Lie on your back, bend your knees slightly, lie down for a few minutes, restore your breathing. After that, gradually increasing the intensity, alternately perform circular and oblique strokes, rubbing, sliding with the knuckles, sawing with the edge of the palm, pressing the abdomen inward. Finish by stroking your belly clockwise up to 10 times.
  • Hardware vacuum-roller LPG. The course and period after which this massage can be done is selected by the doctor. This massage affects the subcutaneous fat and skin. As a result, metabolism is accelerated, blood circulation improves, swelling disappears, and the abdominal muscles are strengthened.

Physiotherapy

An effective way to remove diastasis after childbirth is to perform special exercises for a flat stomach:

  • Vacuum. Exhale all the air through your mouth, and then pull your stomach under the ribs. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Then take a couple of calm breaths through your nose, and repeat. The exercise is performed in 4 sets of 10 repetitions (position with the stomach pulled in), on an empty stomach in the morning or after a long break without food during the day.
  • Glute bridge. Lie on your back, place bent legs shoulder-width apart. Raise your buttocks as high as possible, pulling in your stomach and tightening your abs. Then lower yourself back to the starting position and relax. Do 3-4 sets of 20 reps.
  • Chin to chest. Lie down in the same position as for the glute bridge. You can hold the ball between your knees. As you exhale, raise your head, resting your chin on your chest and pulling in your stomach. As you exhale, return to the starting state. Do 3-4 sets of 20 reps.

Surgical intervention

In the third stage of the discrepancy, diastasis can be dealt with only with the help of operations. For this purpose, they began to use an endoprosthesis - a multilayer mesh made of synthetic materials. It covers the area of ​​divergence, where within a month and a half it grows with connective tissue, forming a single structure. The white line turns out to be strong, therefore it is able to withstand heavy loads, it does not stretch and is not damaged. The endoprosthesis is used in operations to eliminate diastasis:

  • Cockerling method;
  • endoscopic hernioplasty;
  • obstructive hernioplasty;
  • abdominoplasty;
  • laparoscopy.

Prevention

So that the divergence of the abdominal muscles after childbirth does not become a problem for you, at the stage of pregnancy and its planning, take care of the prevention of diastasis:

  • Watch your posture. It should be flat, so do not slouch, do not bend in the lower back. In late pregnancy, wear a bandage regularly. It can be continued to be worn after the birth of the child to consolidate the result.
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and abs. To do this, before pregnancy, perform Kegel exercises, twisting. Do yoga and breathing exercises. Loads should be gradually reduced, but it is not recommended to completely abandon them. After giving birth, start exercising again.
  • Eat right before, during and after pregnancy. Make sure your diet contains the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Stick to the principles of a balanced diet.
  • Reduce physical activity - do not lift weights. In addition, avoid stress and nervous tension, walk more often in the fresh air and breathe properly.

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