Diastasis recti

Definition:

Separation of the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which is the muscle covering the front surface of the abdomen.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Diastasis recti is a common and normal condition in newborns, especially in premature and black infants. The condition is present when the edges of the abdominal muscle are widely separated in the midline. A diastasis recti is seen as a large ridge running down the midline of the abdomen from the bottom of the breastbone to the navel which appears whenever an infant strains or attempts to sit up. A diastasis recti is not normally apparent unless the infant is straining.

Diastasis recti is also seen in some women during pregnancy, especially in women with poor abdominal tone. The abdominal muscles separate because of the increasing pressure of the growing fetus.