How to Diagnose Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a condition in which the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscle separate from each other. This muscle covers the front surface of the abdomen and will typically join together without treatment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Palpate the edges of the rectus abdominis muscles along the middle of the abdomen. This can frequently identify a diastasis recti even when it isn't visible.

2. Observe a diastasis recti in adults. It typically appears as a vertical ridge going down the middle of the abdomen. A diastasis recti usually becomes more prominent when the abdominal muscles are flexed.

3. Look for a diastasis recti in infants. It's frequently visible only when the infant sits up.

4. Identify diastasis recti in women who have had multiple births. The front of the abdomen typically accumulates extra soft tissue and skin.

5. Examine severe cases of diastasis recti. In these cases, the top of the uterus is frequently visible and parts of the fetus can also be seen.