Treatment
No treatment is needed for pregnant women with this condition.
In infants, the rectus abdominis muscles continue to grow and the diastasis recti gradually disappears. Surgery may be needed if the baby develops a hernia that becomes trapped in the space between the muscles.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The patient usually does very well. In most cases, diastasis recti usually heals on its own.
Diastasis recti usually persists long after the woman gives birth. Exercise may help improve the condition. Umbilical hernia may occur in some cases. If pain is present, surgery may be needed.
Complications
In general, complications only result when a hernia develops.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider immediately if a child with diastasis recti develops redness or pain in the abdomen, has persistent vomiting, or cries constantly.
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Diastasis recti : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Diastasis recti : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Diastasis recti : Treatment
Review Date : 10/15/2007
Reviewed By : Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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