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Rectus diastasis is a natural condition in pregnant women where the connective tissue that connects the abdominal muscles in the centre stretches as the abdomen expands and grows.
The connective tissue membrane consists of elastic tissue that stretches like a large, flat elastic band in the centre of the abdomen from the bottom of the sternum down to the pubic bone. The diastasis/division appears as an elongated bulge, a so-called “toblerone belly”, when you tense the straight abdominal muscles, for example when lifting up in a squat or standing up from a sitting position.
How much the tissue stretches varies from person to person, but common to most is that during the first 6-24 months after birth, it contracts completely, or at least almost completely, again.
However, sometimes it happens that the muscles continue to divide and there is a feeling that the membrane has not contracted, and the stomach will feel flabby and difficult to exercise.
Connective tissue and abdominal muscles are a bit complex to work with, but with the right guidance, you'll almost always achieve good results.
A well-trained Pilates instructor is well equipped to help you rehabilitate your abdominal muscles after childbirth and understand the issues surrounding rectus diastasis, and all our instructors are available to help you.