Diastasis?!?

[Grubincubator]

Hi guys,

Has anyone had any experience with diastasis of the abdominal muscles?

Last night I leant back onto the couch I noticed a sizeable bulge in the middle of my stomach region (ie above my navel). I totally freaked out! There's no pain but it looks frightening. :eek:

I thought diastasis happened below the navel so I'm really confused. Anyone have any ideas? :confused:

[Lallas' Mum]

I didn't realise it had such a technical name but I know what you are talking about. I've experienced it in both my pregnancies. More so in the second than the first. My bulge started toward the top of my stomach and finished around the bottom of my navel. It is a huge freaky bulge at the moment as I am due tomorrow and am expecting a rather large bub.

I wouldn't worry to much but it is best not to over-exert your stomach muscles as they aren't as strong as usual.

If you're concern at all it is best to mention it next ante-natal check up just to be sure.

[willsmum]

Get a referral to a physio who specialises in maternity issues after you deliver. They will give you exercises that will help fix the problem.

[our little treasures]

Is this the name for where your muscles part as you become bigger and you get a hernia??? I was actually born with it and although not painful I have since found out that I shouldn't do sit ups crunchies etc. Even women who develop it in pregnancy are suppose to be careful as it can stay that way if you strain it.

[Grubincubator]

Not sure about the hernia bit but the abdominal muscles part down the middle and - if that's what I've got - in my case what ever is behind there bulges out.
I've emailed my doula to find out what I should do. My pre-natal yoga teacher told me I shouldn't go to the classes until I've seen someone about it.

[Grubincubator]

Boy was I wrong... In a diastasis you have a gulf or dip between the abdominal muscles. I've got a little mountain...
Midwife reckons it's just the contents of my abdomen moved up. So I'm trying to get some exercise in now. I just know I'm not getting enough exercise. I want to give myself the best chance to have a natural birth and a good stamina level is part of that. (Which I sure don't have at the moment!)