The Hidden Problems of Diastasis Recti

It’s been months or even years since you delivered your baby and you still can’t zip your pre-pregnancy jeans. You’ve lost the extra weight, so why does that post-baby pooch still exist? Regardless of how healthy you eat or how many crunches you do, that stubborn bulge in your lower stomach just won’t go away. This unsightly “mom tummy” is likely a condition called diastasis recti abdominis, or DRA. While the outward signs of diastasis recti are what bring most moms to a plastic surgeon for repair, there are many other unwanted symptoms of DRA that are not as obvious but equally troublesome.

What Causes Diastasis Recti

There are several causes of diastasis recti, but the most prevalent culprit is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus stretches the abdominal muscles as it grows. There are two large parallel bands of muscle in the middle of the abdomen that will separate during this process, which forms the condition of diastasis recti. More than 98% of women have DR after delivering their baby. While these muscles can eventually return to their original position for some women, there are many others that continue to have this muscle separation and the resulting “stomach bulge” that won’t go away.

Risk Factors

It’s hard to predict and avoid diastasis recti if you are pregnant. However, if you have already had children, are pregnant with multiples or have weak core muscles, you are more likely to get DR. Fortunately, diastasis recti can be repaired by an experienced plastic surgeon.

A Flatter Stomach is Not the Only Reason for DR Repair

While many women get tired of the stubborn pooch or bulge in their lower abdomen, there are also several other reasons to seek DR repair. When these abdominal muscles remain separated, they cannot do their job of holding and supporting the internal organs. Thus, there can be consequences that involve the stomach, bladder and sexual organs. Diastasis recti is associated with the following less obvious but highly disruptive complications:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Urinary issues (pain, leakage and increased urge)
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Pressure in rectum or pelvic region
• Hernia (severe cases)
• Poor posture

Schedule Your Diastasis Recti Repair in Orlando

As you can see, there is remarkable value in getting your DR repaired. It becomes more than an aesthetic concern when you are in pain or suffering from urinary problems. Dr. Spence, Dr. Ovalle and the team at Hillcrest Plastic Surgery is here to help answer any questions you have about the procedure, including the recovery and expense. We believe that pregnancy is a beautiful thing, and it doesn’t have to cause permanent repercussions within your physical appearance.