Diastasis repair is best done separately from your c-section. Ideally you want to have this done at least 6 months after delivery of your last child. Although it sounds appealing to have everything done at once, it isn't recommended.
Both vaginal and c section delivery affect the abdominal muscles and can cause postpartum diastasis recti. Some research has found that the condition is more common in women who have given birth by c section. The nature of c section delivery and recovery can weaken the core, resulting in diastasis recti.
It usually resolves itself within eight weeks of delivery. About 40% of those who have diastasis recti still have it by six months postpartum.
Obstetricians do not normally suture the rectus abdominis muscles, as their only concern is to deliver the baby, and closing the abdomen at the soonest possible time. The procedure that is done for the muscles is coaptation or joining together of the edges.
Strengthening your deep core muscles properly during pregnancy could help in minimizing diastasis recti during pregnancy, plus help in healing after baby! Improving the fascial connection {connective tissue} in your abdomen can help in creating a stronger core.
For many women with prolonged or severe diastasis recti, it's much more than a cosmetic concern. The weakened abdominal and pelvic muscles can lead to difficulty exercising, lower back pain, incontinence, constipation, and painful intercourse. The tissue can also tear, causing a hernia.
The key to healing diastasis recti is rebuilding your core from the inside out. You need to strengthen the transverse abdominis (TVA) muscle, which is the deepest abdominal muscle and can provide support for those muscles that have been stretched.
Since diastasis recti surgery involves muscle repair, you should expect some muscle soreness and pain for the first few days after your surgery. Your wounds will also show some swelling and bruising. These symptoms might take up to 2 weeks to subside.
To achieve a cesarean delivery, the surgeon must traverse all the layers that separate him/her from the fetus. First, the skin is incised, followed by the subcutaneous tissues. The next layer is the fascia overlying the rectus abdominis muscles.
In most cases, surgery is the only way to repair diastasis recti. 5 However, you should know that diastasis recti surgery may not be covered by insurance. It's considered an elective procedure, which means that it can be scheduled ahead of time.
No muscles in the abdominal wall are actually cut. In fact the Obstetrician goes between the muscles. Some people are concerned about the pain relief during a caesarean. Less than 1% of caesarean sections are performed under a general anaesthetic in a private hospital.
Impacts of a C-Section on the Body
In the long-term, it's possible to experience losses in abdominal strength and muscle tone. This has a knock-on effect on your spinal health and stability. It may also negatively affect your hips and balance.
Good news, though: The abdominal muscles are not typically “cut” during ac-section and are instead gently separated in the midline to access the uterus. So with a gradual return to exercise and some focused core work, you can absolutely regain core strength and function.
Diastasis is considered severe when the connective tissue is stretched and the muscles of your core can no longer support your pelvic and abdominal region. Specifically, when your deep core cannot generate tension and hold you stable and strong.
The more C-sections, the higher the risks of placenta previa and a condition in which the placenta becomes attached to the wall of the uterus (placenta accreta). A C-section also increases the risk of the uterus tearing along the scar line (uterine rupture) for women who attempt a vaginal delivery in a later pregnancy.
This is because the abdomen tends to have excess skin after pregnancy, which can be resolved through the procedure. Stretched abdominal muscles, which lead to another kind of postpartum abdominal bulge, are also corrected during this surgery.
However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
They might also lift your uterus partially out of your body while closing the uterine incision. In most c-sections, the bladder and intestines are moved aside so the ob-gyn can keep them safely out of the way while delivering the baby and repairing the uterine incision.
Delivery by Cesarean section generally decreases damages to the pelvic floor muscles (affecting urinary incontinence) but it damages abdominal muscles, and can cause intestinal obstruction, chronic pelvic girdle pain, infertility, or difficulties due to repeated surgery10,11,12,13). Elisabeth et al.
A diastasis recti repair can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $19,000. The actual cost of a diastasis recti repair is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.
In order to be a candidate for diastasis recti surgery, a patient must have separation of abdominal muscles that is greater than two finger widths.
A plastic surgeon might be chosen for the open approach with diastasis repair combined with removal of excess skin or liposuction if necessary. A general surgeon might be chosen for an open as well as a laparoscopic approach, especially when there is a coexisting hernia (14).
The most common symptom of diastasis recti is a pooch or bulge in your stomach, especially when you strain or contract your abdominal muscles. Additional symptoms include: lower back pain. poor posture.
In Short, YES. The vast majority of these symptoms can be improved and often fully resolved through correct training of the deep core muscles, coupled with healthy posture, breathing, and alignment in daily life.
Try these diastasis recti-safe cardio exercises instead: Dance cardio (without jumping) Brisk walking. Walking on an incline (outdoors or indoors on a treadmill)