How long does it take for a diastasis recti or tummy gap to heal?

Need to know how long it takes for a diastasis recti or tummy gap to heal after giving birth?

Here’s my easy to follow guide on diastasis recti – what it is, how to check your tummy gap, and what to do if you don’t think it is healing.

What is diastasis recti?

A diastasis recti, or tummy gap, affects almost all women in the last trimester of pregnancy.

It occurs as the space between the two parts of your abdomen widens to accommodate the baby. As this happens before giving birth, the way you give birth does not affect the likely hood of having or not having a diastasis.

For most women this gap will shrink in the first three months of being postnatal, so don’t panic if you are told you have a separation immediately after giving birth.

How does a diastasis heal?

Although for most women the tummy gap will heal within the first three months of being postnatal, some women need a little more help to heal.

If you have other symptoms, such as issues with your pelvic floor, difficulty controlling abdominal pressure, or back issues, these may inhibit your healing process. Sometimes you can have a diastasis recti for years after giving birth, especially if you have more than one pregnancy.

But, no matter how long ago you were pregnant or gave birth, there are strategies that can help. These include

Breath work

Posture and alignment

Mobilisations and releases

Movement with appropriate load

Nutrition

Hydration

How to check your diastasis recti

It is very easy to check your tummy gap yourself and I show you how to do so in this video

Remember you are looking for both the width and the tension.

If you want to learn more about your diastasis or would like to discuss my diastasis recti or c-section recovery programmes please do get in touch, I’d love to help find the strategies that work for you.