Hernia and diastasis recti split

Hi Everyone,

I was asked a few times already what the difference between hernia and a diastasis recti split is.

A serious complication associated with diastasis recti is hernia. Pregnant woman with diastasis recti may experience umbilical hernia when extra pressure placed on the abdominal wall during the second and third trimester of pregnancy causes the pregnant uterus to bulge through the wall.

Hernia is a condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening or weak spot of the surrounding muscle, membrane, or connective tissue that normally holds the organ in place.

Diastasis recti is a condition that involves the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into two halves. These muscles are normally connected by the linea alba, a structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen. Diastasis recti involves the stretching of the linea alba, creating a space in between the two abdominal muscle halves. This is most often seen in pregnant woman due to the stretching of these muscles by the growing fetus. Diastasis recti is regularly confused for hernia by some woman. When a woman has this separation of the abdominal muscles, it’s normal for a bulge to appear in the abdomen when lying flat or sitting up.

Several women do not know that there are certain exercises, which should be avoided if the condition exists like crunches, planks and sit-ups! These exercises may cause your diastasis recti or hernia to get worse.

It is all about healing the connective tissue with the right exercises.