Diastasis recti

Treatment:

In infants, there is no treatment. As the infant develops, the rectus abdominis muscles continue to grow and the diastasis recti gradually disappears.

For mothers, postpartum abdominal exercises strengthen the musculature and can close the diastasis recti.

Expectations (prognosis):

The infant's abdominal muscles continue to develop, with normal appearance by the time the infant is 6 to 8 months old.

Complications:

If a mother with diastasis recti during pregnancy does not regain abdominal muscle tone she may not have enough abdominal support for future pregnancies.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you suspect that a bulge in the abdominal wall may be a hernia or other lump instead of diastasis recti, or if a known condition of diastasis recti does not resolve by the time the infant is 6 to 8 months old.