Abdominal Separation

Abdominal separation, also called diastasis recti, occurs when the large abdominal muscles along the front of the abdomen stretch and separate, often during pregnancy as the uterus expands. This creates a visible or felt bulge along the midline of the belly. It can also occur in people who gain significant weight quickly or do intense abdominal workouts improperly. While common after pregnancy, it may cause weakness, a sagging appearance, or lower back pain. Treatment includes focused exercises to strengthen core muscles, and in some cases, surgery may be considered if the separation is severe.