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During pregnancy, it's natural for the abdominal muscles to give way. The connective tissue that holds the straight abdominal muscles together in the centre gradually stretches as the abdomen grows to make room for the baby. For some women, the tissue contracts again in the months after giving birth, while others find that the division continues to be evident - often labelled as a laxity or “bulge” in the middle of the abdomen when tensing. This phenomenon is called rectus diastasis.
How much the connective tissue gives way varies from person to person, but in most cases, natural healing occurs within the first year. However, if the splitting continues, you can still strengthen the area. With the right training, the muscles can gradually regain their function and the connective tissue can be supported to rebuild.
In Pilates, we work with precise, calm movements where breathing, activation of the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor play a central role. In this way, we can rebuild strength from within while avoiding exercises that might otherwise aggravate the problem.
We offer special postnatal programmes where we work safely and purposefully to strengthen the body after pregnancy - even if you experience rectus diastasis.