Abdominal separation, also known as ‘Rectus Diastasis’ is the separation of the two halves of the abdominal wall muscles. Hormonal changes, pressure from the baby and other factors such as age and multiple births can cause a separation to occur between your left and right rectus abdominis muscle. Excessive abdominal exercise during pregnancy can also lead to abdominal separation

Abdominal separation is something that should be assessed initially after giving birth. In many cases, your abdominal muscles can return back to normal without you having to do anything. In other cases, some women require specific exercises to help bring your abdominal muscles back together.

Ongoing separation has been linked with pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse and incontinence.