Normally, the rectus abdominis muscles are connected by connective tissue—the linea alba. As the fetus grows, this tissue stretches to make room for the enlarging uterus. In some women, the connective tissue is too weak and cannot return to its previous state after childbirth – the muscles remain separated, resulting in diastasis.
Women are at the highest risk of this complication if they:- with multiple pregnancies;
- with repeated births;
- with a large fetus;
- who are overweight;
- with a weakened muscle corset before pregnancy.
Important! Normal weight and first pregnancy are no guarantee of a perfect abdomen after childbirth. And even in this case, prevention of diastasis will not be superfluous.