The human body undergoes transformations of various kinds throughout life. Sometimes, you gain considerable weight or lose a lot of weight abruptly, without the internal part having time to adapt properly. We also go through different stages, like the pregnancy, which is the most impressive transformation of the female body.
All these physical changes that are evident externally to the naked eye, cause problems in the internal structure of the body. Especially in the abdominal muscles, which are the ones that suffer the most when they increase so much in size in pregnancy or in sudden weight gain. When this happens, an abdominal diastasis can occur, a problem suffered by most women.
What is abdominal diastasis?
The abdominal diastasis or diastasis of the rectus abdominis, consists of the separation of the muscles of the abdomen. The two sides of the rectum are naturally attached to the linea alba, which runs from the pubis to the obligo. These muscles must be attached to keep the body upright. and to breathe correctly, among others. When there is a distention of the rectum muscles, as in pregnancy, they separate from the linea alba and that is when the abdominal diastasis occurs.
Causes of diastasis rectus abdominis
Although the most common cause of abdominal diastasis is pregnancy, there are other circumstances that can cause this problem in the abdomen.
- The aging: the passage of time weakens the muscular structures of the entire body, only that in some areas it is more evident than in others. Over the years, the muscles and fibers that make up the abdominal structure weaken causing abdominal diastasis.
- A sudden increase in weight: Gaining a lot of weight quickly can cause the sides of the rectum to separate from the linea alba.
- The pregnancy: The most common cause of abdominal diastasis is pregnancy, in fact, it happens to all women during this period. However, in some cases there is a more severe diastasis that is difficult to recover. Usually in multiple pregnancies, after several pregnancies or when the pregnant woman gains a lot of weight during pregnancy.
How to know if I have diastasis
The most appropriate thing in this case is that you go to your doctor so that he can make an assessment. Diastasis can be of varying degrees, and depending on your specific case, it will be necessary to assess internally how damaged your abdomen is. However, there are some general features that can help you determine if you may have abdominal diastasis.
- After giving birth you feel your belly still swollenLike you still have the baby inside This is normal for the first few days, but little by little the stomach should return to its place.
- You have gas, it costs you more to digest or you notice a swollen belly.
- Weakened pelvic floor, which causes urinary incontinence to varying degrees.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Discomfort when maintaining relationships sexual
Treatment for abdominal diastasis
Treatment of abdominal diastasis goes through different phases, always taking into account the severity of the injury in each case. There are physical therapy treatments that can improve a minor injury, as well as specific exercises such as hypopressives. In any case, it is very important to have the advice of a professional to help us perform adequate exercise to avoid other injuries.
Even in the most serious cases it is necessary to resort to surgery to solve the abdominal injury. This occurs when the separation of the recti is very high, when there is a lot of excess skin on the stomach, if hernias appear that are not completely eliminated or when there is very serious damage to the abdominal wall. This can only be determined by a specialist, so it is essential to go to the medical consultation as soon as possible.
In most cases it is not possible to avoid abdominal diastasis, although you can improve your physical condition and reduce the probability of a serious injury. Keep your body in shape, practice regular exercise even in pregnancy and monitor your weight. This is the best way to avoid excessive weight gain and to recover successfully after pregnancy.