The Hidden Risks of Diastasis Recti: Beyond Appearance

October 11, 2023

A diastasis recti is the separation of the outermost abdominal muscles and when the muscles separate, the top of the uterus tilts forward which then makes the cervix point sideways instead of downward and lined up with the vaginal canal. If the cervix is pointing sideways, you are at risk for a C-section.

The research & evidenced based Tupler Technique® Program is crucial for pregnant women as this program can make the diastasis smaller during pregnancy. This program also teaches pregnant women how to push correctly in labor to prevent pelvic floor problems as well as making your diastasis larger. A larger diastasis puts you at risk for back pain during and after pregnancy.

What is a C-section?

A Cesarean delivery or C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision made in both the abdomen and uterus.

Why is a C-section Done?

In some cases a C-section is safer for you or your baby than is a normal vaginal delivery. Here are some of the reasons why a C-section might be recommended by doctor:

Labor is not progressing. Stalled labor is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. If your cervix isn't opening enough despite strong contractions over several hours.
Abnormal position of the baby. Breech- The baby’s feet or buttocks enter the birth canal first or Transverse - the baby is positioned side or shoulder first.
The baby is in distress. Concerns about abnormal changes in your baby's heartbeat.
Placenta related problems. Placenta previa - the opening of your cervix is covered by the placenta.
Carrying multiple babies. If you're carrying twins and the leading baby is in an abnormal position or if you have triplets or more babies.
Prolapsed umbilical cord.A loop of umbilical cord slips through your cervix ahead of your baby.
Affected health concern. A severe health problem, such as a heart or brain problem.
A previous C-section delivery. Depending on several factors, your doctor might recommend a repeat C-section. However, in some cases, it's often possible to attempt a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section).

What is Diastasis Recti?

A diastasis recti is the separation of the outermost abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis). The function of these muscles (called rectus abdominis) is to support your back and your organs. Separated muscles cannot provide support. The more separated your muscles, the less support they provide for your body. When the muscles separate the connective tissue (linea alba) joining these muscle stretches sideways. This sideways stretching of the connective tissue causes it to become thinner and weaker and as mentioned before, the top of the uterus tilts forward which then makes the cervix point sideways.

Related article: Everything You need To Know About Your Diastasis

How to Properly Check Yourself for a Diastasis

Close your Diastasis Now, Don’t Risk a C-Section

You need to close your diastasis because it will only get larger as you age and by doing improper exercises. The larger your diastasis, the more side- effects you will have and the longer it will take to close it.

Tupler Technique® -The Medically Recommended Program to Close Your Diastasis

The Tupler Technique® program, backed by almost 30 solid years of experience, will close your diastasis recti no matter how you got your diastasis or how long you have had it! It is both research and evidenced based. Our statistics show that if you follow all 4 steps of the program your diastasis will close 55% in six weeks!

How does the program work?

The Tupler Technique® Program is all about healing the connective tissue (linea alba) between your separated muscles. Here is the “big picture” of how it works. It heals connective tissue by:

Re-positioning or realigning) the stretched out connective tissue AND your separated muscles with the Diastasis Rehab Splint®. Re-positioning the connective tissue is important to take the stretch off the stretched out connective tissue and continuously keep it in a narrow position while it is healing. Continuously wearing a splint is like continuously wearing a cast when you have a broken bone. It differs in that wearing a splint will NOT weaken your abdominal muscles. Repositioning the muscles and bringing them close together is important so the muscles move in a front to back direction instead of a sideways direction which stretches the connective tissue and does not strengthen the muscles. When the muscles are close together you can “feel” them working.
Here is a video on how to the Diastasis Rehab Splint® during pregnancy:
Protecting your connective tissue from getting stretched either in a forward or sideways direction. That is why the first six weeks of the program is about developing transverse muscle awareness while allowing your connective tissue to heal. You use your transverse muscle (innermost abdominal muscles) with every move you make and every breath you take. When you engage your transverse muscle it prevents a forward stretching of your connective tissue. That is why to protect your connective tissue you need to engage your transverse muscle with all activities of daily living and then in Week 6 of the program while working out.
Strengthening your connective tissue and transverse muscle with the Tupler Technique® Exercises. The muscles and connective tissue must be aligned before doing the exercises, so the muscles move in the right direction and the connective tissue does not get stretched. The seated exercises are the contracting and the back lying exercise is the head lift. Double splinting is also started in Week 4 of the program. Double splinting is wearing one or two splints and holding another splint (scarf) while doing the seated and back lying exercises.