Is the “Mom Pooch” Here to Stay?

I’ve heard so many moms say, “I have a mommy pooch.” – “I have this mummy tummy.” – “I need to work on my core.”

Many moms refer to any stretching or change in their belly after pregnancy a “mommy pooch.” It is quite common (and normal!) to have a visual change in your stomach after pregnancy. But,it’s important to know the difference between a different belly than you’re used to, or if you have diastasis recti.

What is diastasis recti abdominis?

Think of the “6 pack” abs – with the line going down the middle. This group of muscles is called the rectus abdominis.

The vertical line that connects them from left to right is called the linea alba.

If there is a gap of more than 2 fingers width between either side of the muscles, that is technically defined as a “diastasis recti.”

This can also create the “Breadloafing” effect in the belly that many call the mom belly.

How common is diastasis recti?

In a study of the prevalence of DRA among 300 women during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth, the following percentages of women were found to have diastasis recti:

• 21 weeks pregnant: 33.1%

• 6 weeks postpartum: 60%

• 6 months postpartum: 45.4%

• 12 months postpartum: 32.6%

What are the negative effects of diastasis recti?

Interestingly, DRA’s ability to cause dysfunction is still under debate! Some women with DRA have good recruitment of the abs and few, if any, negative symptoms. On the flip side, there are women who have a DR who have back pain, pelvic pain, or poor core recruitment.

Diastasis recti can play a role in affecting the intra-abdominal pressure system. This is a system that looks at how your breathing and muscles are working together. The structures that affect this system include the diaphragm, abs, and pelvic floor muscles. When there’s a loss of support in any one of these structures, it can contribute to symptoms of back pain or urinary leakage.

Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms like pain or leaking, but your “mommy pooch” bothers you – that’s a good enough reason to seek treatment.

Tailored exercises and pressure management education are two of the many ways your pelvic floor therapist can work with you to decrease effects of DR.

Getting Started with Form and Function Pelvic Health to help restore your core and manage diastasis recti:

If you want to ditch the mom pooch, and get stronger and more confident after having a baby, give us a call! We’d love to take the time to chat with you about what your experience has been and what you’re looking for. Click here to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation.

Restoring your core and regaining strength can take time, but we promise that we are here to support you on that journey!