Diastasis rectus abdominis

Diastasis recti abdominus (say “dy-AS-tuh-sus REK-ty ab-DOM-uh-nus”) is a condition that happens when the two long muscles in the front of your belly (recti muscles) stretch and spread apart. Your belly may stick out in the gap between the muscles. This condition is different than a hernia.

Pregnancy is a common cause of this condition. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on these belly muscles. This may cause the muscles to separate. It can show up in the weeks or months after childbirth. The muscles may heal on their own after pregnancy.

Being very overweight (obese) also may cause this condition. Stomach surgery sometimes causes it. Some babies are born with it, but the muscles often heal on their own.

A bulge in the middle of your belly is the main symptom of this condition. You may only see the bulge when you tense your belly muscles. Belly pain may also be a symptom. Some people have no symptoms.

Some people may have surgery to treat this condition. Here are the types of surgery:

• Open surgery. It uses one or more long cuts (incisions) in your belly.
• Laparoscopic surgery. It uses very small cuts in your belly. A doctor puts a lighted viewing tool and other surgical tools through the cuts.
• Robot-assisted surgery. It uses robotic arms and surgical tools. They are controlled by the doctor.
• A tummy tuck. It's also called an abdominoplasty. This is a type of open surgery. It tightens the belly muscles. And it removes excess fat and skin from your belly.

Before surgery, your doctor may suggest physical therapy. Or your doctor may give you some exercises to do. One exercise that may help is deep core muscles activation. Other exercises include pelvic tilt with heel slide and standing plank on a wall.

You may not need treatment if your symptoms don't bother you.