Diastasis recti: how to check it safely and what's next
Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles down the midline. It's very common during pregnancy and after birth and, with the right approach, improves in most cases. This test is a quick self-check, not a diagnosis.
What the gap means
It's not just the width of the gap that matters, but the tissue tone and how you manage pressure. Doming, the so-called ridge, on effort is a sign that pressure isn't well distributed. That can be re-trained.
What to avoid
Traditional crunches and sudden lifting can make the gap worse if done too early. Core re-education, breathing and progressive loading are a safer path.
How a kinesiologist helps
A kinesiologist reviews your results, rules out red flags and builds a program that strengthens your core without worsening the diastasis, step by step.