PRE & POST PREGNANCY AND SURGERY DIASTASIS QUESTIONS
Diastasis During and After Pregnancy
Is it normal to get a diastasis during pregnancy?
Yes, it is “normal” but not “necessary”. The muscles can stretch without separating.
If you start doing the Tupler Technique® early in your pregnancy you can prevent a diastasis from occurring or make your diastasis smaller. You can start doing the exercises in your first trimester. We recommend that you start wearing the splint in
your second trimester when you are feeling better. Wearing a splint can sometimes cause nausea.
Can a diastasis cause a c-section?
Yes. Weak connective tissue cannot support a top heavy uterus. The top of the uterus then tilts forward. This forward tilt makes the cervix face sideways instead of vertically. The cervix must be lined up with the vaginal
canal in order to provide a path for the baby to come out.
Do all pregnant women get a diastasis?
In my experience of checking pregnant women from 1990 to 2009, only a small percentage of women do not get a diastasis. Women that do the Tupler Technique® early in pregnancy can prevent themselves from getting one.
Can pushing incorrectly in labor cause a diastasis?
Yes. It can create a diastasis or make a diastasis worse. It can also cause pelvic floor prolapses. Pushing is a learned skill and must be practiced during pregnancy so it is second nature in labor. You cannot learn a new skill (pushing) while in pain. It takes around 21 days to learn a new skill. To protect their abdominals and pelvic floor muscles women must learn how to push with their strengthened and splinted abdominal muscles while relaxing their pelvic floor muscles.
Is wearing a front loading baby carrier bad for my diastasis?
Yes. Absolutely! You cannot heal the connective tissue when you have all the baby’s weight putting pressure on the weak connective tissue.
How does a diastasis effect my pregnancy and birth?
A diastasis can cause back pain and constipation during pregnancy and make pushing much less effective in labor. With a diastasis the top of the uterus tips forward and the cervix then faces sideways.
Wearing a Diastasis Rehab Splint® During and After Pregnancy
Can I wear a splint during pregnancy?
Yes. Wearing a splint will not hurt your baby. Wearing a splint plus doing the other 3 steps in the Tupler Technique® will prevent you from getting a diastasis or will make it smaller if you have one. A small diastasis will prevent back problems during and after pregnancy and keep the uterus and cervix in the proper alignment.
When should I start wearing the splint during pregnancy?
We recommend wearing the splint in your second trimester. In the first trimester women usually have nausea. Wearing a splint can sometimes cause nausea since you are putting the displaced organs back in their original position. However, you can start the exercises in the first trimester.
How do I determine the size of the splint during pregnancy?
As per the size chart on the splint page of the website, you need to get the correct back size. Then you get your circumference size. If you are starting early in your second trimester you may get a splint to fit you. However, you will need to get the Splint Extenders to make the arms of the splint longer to accommodate for your growing belly. The extenders will give you 8-12 inches to add to the arms of your splint.
Would the Tupler belt be an adequate and safe alternative to a maternity belt?
A maternity belt has the function of lifting up the belly. The function of the Diastasis Rehab Splint® is to approximate (pull together) the muscles and connective tissue.
Do I need to get several splints during my pregnancy?
You can have one splint with the Splint Extenders. However, the Velcro may wear out with continuous use. We do recommend to get two during pregnancy so you can wear one and wash one.
Should I wear my splint in labor?
Yes you should definitely either wear one, hold one (scarf or arms of sweater) or do both! Keeping the muscles close together will keep the uterus in the in proper position. If the weak connective tissue (instead of the muscles) is supporting your top heavy uterus it will tilt forward. The cervix will then be pointing “sideways” instead in downward. A downward (not sideways) pointing cervix gives your baby direct access out the vaginal canal.
Can I wear a splint right after delivery?
You can wear the splint right after a vaginal birth. If you have a c-section you should wait until the incision is healed as the splint will pull on the scar. It usually takes around 6 weeks. You can, however, start doing the exercises right away with both a vaginal and cesarean birth.
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Pregnancy Exercise Questions
Can I do the Tupler Technique® during pregnancy?
This program was created for pregnant women to prepare them for the marathon of labor. It is very important to do this program as early as you can in the pregnancy. A diastasis recti can put you at risk for a c section. Strong abdominal muscles will also help you push more effectively in labor and prevent back problems during and after pregnancy.
Will the abdominal exercise hurt my baby?
No. The uterus is very thick and the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid. Strong abdominal muscle will prevent back pain and will help you push better in labor.
Can I do the exercise routine in the Diastasis Rehab Lose Your Mummy Tummy® DVD during pregnancy? Are there any modifications?
Yes, this routine can be done during pregnancy. Motionless standing and a back lying position are not good positions for a pregnant woman. So upper body exercise should be done seated and the amount of time in a back lying position when doing the headlifts should be limited to no more than 3 minutes. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy in a back lying position roll to the side until you feel better.
Can this program help me have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section)?
Yes. Having strong abdominals and knowing how to use them correctly while pushing can accomplish this. Many of my clients have had successful VBAC’s. Learning how to push is taught in the Tupler Technique® Perfect Pushing DVD.
Can the Tupler Technique® exercises help me during my pregnancy if I know I will be having a c-section. Can I do them after I have a c-section?
Yes. Stronger abdominal muscles will help with your recovery. Also, strengthening your abdominals during pregnancy will give you the “muscle memory” to make it easier to do the exercises after the birth. After a c-section birth it is important to engage the transverse muscle as a forward forceful pressure on the stitches can undo the stitches. It will be a bit uncomfortable as you will feel a little pulling on the stitches. Once the stitches have healed you will want to mobilize the scar. Tissues are meant to move freely. With a scar it will stick to the underlying layer of tissue. Your job is to pull the top layer away from the layer underneath it.
Can I get pregnant again with a diastasis?
It is recommended to make your diastasis smaller before getting pregnant again, however, if you do get pregnant and have a diastasis, you need to start doing the exercises right away to keep the diastasis from getting larger. You may even want to wear a splint during your pregnancy.
Can I start the Tupler Technique® exercises late in my pregnancy?
Yes. You can start them late in your pregnancy. It will be harder to do them later in your pregnancy but they will still be helpful.
When can I start the Tupler Technique® exercises after birth?
You can start them within 24 hours of giving birth. A great time to do them is while you are feeding the baby. The sooner you start them the faster your diastasis will close.
When can I start in the Tupler Technique® exercises in pregnancy?
The sooner the better. Wait till the nausea passes. If you start early in your pregnancy the exercises will be easier to do and you will prevent your diastasis from getting larger. You may even make it smaller!
PRE & POST SURGERY DIASTASIS QUESTIONS
Is surgery necessary to treat diastasis recti?
No, surgery is not necessary for most people with diastasis recti. The research and evidenced- based
Tupler Technique® offers a non-surgical approach by strengthening the connective tissue and the
transverse muscle, helping to close the gap naturally. However, surgery may be recommended for those
that want to fix sagging skin. If surgery is chosen, following a program like the research and evidence-
based Tupler Technique® beforehand is critical to prepare the abdominal muscles and connective tissue,
reducing the risk of complications and ensuring better post-surgery outcomes. You can learn more
about this program with the complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program:
https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
Can diastasis recti be fixed with surgery?
Yes, diastasis recti can be surgically repaired through a procedure known as abdominoplasty (tummy
tuck) or diastasis recti repair, where the surgeon stitches the connective tissue between the muscles to
bring them together. However, surgery should be considered a last resort after non-surgical methods,
such as the research and evidenced-based Tupler Technique®, have been attempted. The research and
evidence-based Tupler Technique® helps many individuals close their diastasis naturally, eliminating the
need for surgery. Additionally, if surgery is necessary, following the Tupler Technique® before and after
surgery can improve recovery and help prevent re-separation.
You can learn more about this program with the complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program:
https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
What is the recovery time after diastasis recti surgery?
The recovery time after diastasis recti surgery varies but typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks for initial
healing. Full recovery, including a return to more intense physical activity, may take up to 6 months. It’s
crucial to follow a post-surgery program like the research and evidenced- based Tupler Technique®,
which teaches how to engage the transverse muscle correctly during daily activities and prevents
stitches from coming undone by reducing intra-abdominal pressure. This approach not only aids in faster
recovery but also helps maintain long-term results. You can learn more about this program with the
complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program: https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
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Are there non-surgical treatments for diastasis recti?
Yes, there are effective non-surgical treatments for diastasis recti, with the research and evidenced-
based Tupler Technique® being a leading program. This research and evidence-based method involves
four key steps: splinting to reposition the muscles, performing targeted exercises to strengthen the
transverse muscle, developing awareness of proper muscle use, and learning correct body mechanics.
When followed consistently, these steps can reduce or even close a diastasis without the need for
surgery. Learn more how to do a diastasis safe workout by watching the complimentary Tupler
Technique® Intro Program. https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
How painful is diastasis recti repair?
If surgery is required for diastasis recti repair, pain levels vary depending on the individual and the
extent of the procedure. Most people experience moderate pain for a few weeks post-surgery, with full
recovery taking several months. However, non-surgical methods like the research and evidenced-based
Tupler Technique® are pain-free and effective for many individuals. This approach avoids the risks and
discomfort of surgery while providing lasting results. You can learn more about this program with the
complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program: https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
What happens if you don’t fix diastasis recti?
If left untreated, diastasis recti can lead to several long-term issues, including:
Chronic back pain due to a weakened core.
Poor posture from a lack of abdominal support leading to a permanently rounded spine
Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Hernias, such as umbilical or incisional hernias.
Digestive problems, including bloating and constipation.
The research and evidenced-based Tupler Technique®, Tupler Technique® helps prevent these
complications by strengthening the core and connective tissue. You can learn more about this program
with the complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program: https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-
workshop
What kind of doctor fixes diastasis recti?
A plastic surgeon typically performs diastasis recti repair surgery (abdominoplasty or hernia repair). lt is
also called a tummy tuck. However, for non-surgical treatment, consulting a physical therapist or
a fitness professional trained in the research and evidenced-based Tupler Technique® can be a better
first step. Non-surgical methods are often recommended before considering surgery. You can learn
more about this program with the complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program:
https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
How do you close diastasis recti without surgery?
Closing diastasis recti without surgery requires a consistent, structured program like the research and
evidenced-based Tupler Technique®, which focuses on:
1. Wearing a Diastasis Rehab Splint® to support and reposition the muscles and connective tissue.
2. Performing safe and effective exercises to strengthen the transverse muscle.
3. Maintaining proper posture to reduce pressure on the abdominal wall.
4. Using correct body mechanics during daily activities to prevent further stretching of the
connective tissue.
You can learn more about this program with the complimentary
Is surgery required for diastasis recti?
Surgery is not required for most cases of diastasis recti. Non-surgical methods, such as the research and
evidence-based Tupler Technique®, have helped many individuals significantly reduce or close their
diastasis naturally. Surgery, such as abdominoplasty, may be considered if:
The diastasis is severe and non-responsive to conservative treatment.
There are associated complications like hernias or chronic pain.
Even if surgery is needed, following the Tupler Technique® before and after surgery can improve
outcomes and reduce the risk recurrence or an incisional hernia. That is when the stitches come
undone by not knowing how to use the abdominal muscles correctly after surgery.
You can learn more about this program with the complimentary Tupler Technique® Into Program:
https://diastasisrehab.com/pages/free-intro-workshop
