How Do You Check for Diastasis Recti at Home?

I am about to show you how to check if you have diastasis recti when you are at home. But I want you to always consult your doctor when it comes to DR. I am about to show you the simple, at-home test to see if you have diastasis recti.

Please always seek professional medical advice to ensure you get the best treatment for your personal situation.

The diastasis is measured by the number of finger spaces that fit in between the two rectus abdominis muscles.

Normal = 1 finger space separation or less

Diastasis recti = a separation or gap between the rectus abdominis muscles of 2 or more finger spaces.

This means the tissues joining the rectus abdominis muscles have either stretched or split apart. The wider the gap, the larger the separation of these two muscles.

Watch this DR Self Check Video

What is Diastasis Recti?

In short, diastasis recti is the gap in between your right and left abdominal wall muscles that can result in a rounded, protruding belly "belly pooch."

Why Does it Happen?

DR can occur due to hormones and your ever-expanding uterus. During your pregnancy, the connective tissue called the linea alba thins out in response to a change in your hormone levels in order to accommodate the enlarging uterus.

Why Do Your Own Self-Check for Diastasis Recti?

You should always seek medical advice when you need it. And a Physical Therapist can check for you. But I believe that everyone should know how to check themselves for diastasis recti.

Why Should You Check Yourself?

I cringe when I see some mamas performing exercises or movements that only make their abdominal separation worse, which could result in an even more extended belly, low back pain and in severe cases, a hernia.

If you know how to perform a self-check for diastasis recti then that knowledge and skill will empower you to monitor your own abdominal separation and to then be able to seek professional help if you notice there is no improvement.

How to Naturally Heal Diastasis Recti

To heal DR, you need a comprehensive program that covers:

1. Proper body mechanics.
2. Posture and alignment.
3. Core Exercises that involve a gradual progression.
4. Correct breathing techniques.