How to Tell If Your Abdominal Muscles Were Damaged or Torn During Pregnancy

26 Jun How to Tell If Your Abdominal Muscles Were Damaged or Torn During Pregnancy

Causes and Solutions for Diastasis Recti after Pregnancy

Did you know that your core muscles help support your posture and enable you to perform daily activities? However, pregnancy can take a toll on your abdominal muscles, sometimes causing torn or damaged muscles that may lead to discomfort and difficulty in regaining pre-pregnancy fitness levels. In this blog, we will discuss the anatomy of abdominal muscles, the impact of pregnancy on these muscles, common signs of post-pregnancy muscle damage, and treatment options to restore abdominal muscle integrity.

Dr. Guy Watts is a plastic surgeon based in Perth, Western Australia, performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. With his impressive surgical skills, combined with a keen eye, he has helped hundreds of patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Watts possesses an extensive educational background and years of experience, underpinned by a commitment to delivering tailored, patient-centred care.

The Anatomy of Abdominal Muscles

Your abdominal muscles comprise four main muscle groups: the rectus abdominis, the external oblique, the internal oblique, and the transverse abdominis.

The rectus abdominis is a long, flat muscle that runs vertically along the front of your abdomen, commonly referred to as the “six-pack” muscle. This muscle group is responsible for flexing the spine, maintaining posture, and supporting your core.

The external oblique muscles are located on each side of your abdomen, originating from the lower ribs and attaching to the front of your hip bone. These muscles help rotate your trunk and contribute to side bending.

The internal oblique muscles lie underneath the external obliques and also play a role in trunk rotation and side bending.

The transverse abdominis is the deepest muscle layer and wraps around your midsection, providing stability and support to your spine.

Impact of Pregnancy on Abdominal Muscles

Pregnancy can significantly impact your abdominal muscles, as your growing belly places increased pressure on these muscles, causing them to stretch and weaken. One of the most common issues faced by pregnant and postpartum women is a condition called diastasis recti, which refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. This separation can lead to weakened core strength, lower back pain, and an increased risk of hernias.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy also contribute to the weakening of abdominal muscles. The hormone relaxin, which is released during pregnancy, causes the connective tissues in your body to become more elastic to accommodate the growing foetus and prepare for childbirth. While this increased flexibility is necessary, it can also lead to overstretched and weakened abdominal muscles.

Common Signs of Torn or Damaged Abdominal Muscles Post-Pregnancy

Post-pregnancy, it is essential to be aware of the signs that may indicate torn or damaged abdominal muscles. Some common symptoms include:

• A bulging or protruding belly that does not improve with exercise
• Lower back pain or discomfort
• Difficulty performing core exercises or feeling unstable when lifting objects
• A visible gap or indentation along the midline of your abdomen
• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be confronted with diastasis recti. A thorough examination is the first step in diagnosing damaged abdominal muscles. Dr Watts will perform a physical examination, observing your abdominal area for any visible signs of muscle separation or weakness. They may also ask you to perform specific movements or exercises to assess your core strength and stability.

Diastasis Recti vs Hernia

Telling the difference between diastasis recti and a hernia can be challenging, as both conditions involve the abdominal wall. However, there are some key differences:

• Presentation:
  • Diastasis recti is characterised by a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen, creating a gap between the muscles. This gap may be more noticeable during abdominal muscle contraction, such as when performing a sit-up or lifting something heavy.
  • A hernia, on the other hand, is a bulge or protrusion that occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall
• Symptoms:
  • Diastasis recti usually presents with a visible gap between the abdominal muscles and may cause a bulging or “pooching” appearance, but it is generally not painful.
  • A hernia typically presents with a visible bulge or lump and may cause pain, discomfort, or a dragging sensation at the site of the hernia
• Risk factors:
  • Diastasis recti is more commonly seen in pregnant women, postpartum women, and individuals with weak abdominal muscles.
  • Hernias, on the other hand, can occur due to various factors, such as heavy lifting, obesity, persistent coughing, or a previous surgical incision

Dr Watts can help differentiate between diastasis recti and a hernia through a physical examination. In some cases, the two conditions may coexist, making a thorough evaluation even more crucial.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Torn Muscles after Pregnancy

For many women, non-surgical treatment options can effectively address post-pregnancy torn or damaged abdominal muscles. These treatments may include:

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can develop a personalised exercise program to strengthen your core muscles and improve your overall abdominal muscle integrity. This may involve targeted exercises to address diastasis recti or other specific muscle weaknesses
• Support garments: Wearing abdominal support garments can help provide gentle compression and support to your abdominal muscles, promoting healing and reducing discomfort
• Nutritional support: Ensuring that you are consuming a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support muscle healing and overall health.
  • Consult with a registered dietitian for personalised nutrition advice
• Lifestyle modifications: Incorporating regular exercise and adopting proper lifting techniques can help protect your abdominal muscles and prevent further damage

When to Consider Abdominoplasty

In some cases, non-surgical treatments may not be enough to fix torn abdominal muscles. If you have significant muscle separation or damage that is not improving with conservative treatments, you may be a candidate for Abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck.” This surgical procedure involves removing skin and fat from the abdomen and repairing damaged or separated abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty can provide long-lasting results and help restore your pre-pregnancy abdominal appearance.

Preparing for an Abdominoplasty Consultation

If you are considering Abdominoplasty to address torn or damaged abdominal muscles, it is essential to prepare for your consultation with a plastic surgeon. Before your appointment, gather your medical records, including any previous treatment information. Be prepared to discuss your concerns, symptoms, and goals for the surgery.

During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your overall health, examine your abdominal area, and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.  They will ask you to obtain an abdominal wall ultrasound, indicating whether the separation is greater than 3cms. They will also provide you with detailed pre-operative and post-operative care instructions optimise results.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty

Recovering from Abdominoplasty takes several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of each case and the type of procedure that was performed. During this time you will need to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely. This may include wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activities, and gradually resuming light exercise as directed.

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle after Abdominoplasty to preserve your results and support ongoing abdominal muscle integrity. Incorporate regular exercise, including core-strengthening activities, and maintain a well-balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.

FAQs about Torn Muscles and Abdominoplasty

What does diastasis recti feel like?

Diastasis recti itself is usually not painful, but it can cause some physical discomfort and cosmetic concerns. People with diastasis recti may experience the following:

• A visible gap or bulge along the midline of the abdomen, which may be more noticeable during abdominal muscle contractions, such as when performing a sit-up or lifting something heavy. The gap can vary in width and may create a “pooching” or “doming” appearance in the abdominal area
• Weakness in the core muscles, leading to difficulty with certain physical activities, maintaining proper posture, or providing support for the lower back. This may contribute to lower back pain, pelvic pain, or discomfort during specific movements or exercises
• In some cases, individuals with diastasis recti might also experience constipation, bloating, or difficulty controlling their bladder due to weakened abdominal muscles

It is important to note that diastasis recti may present differently in different individuals. If you suspect you have torn or damaged abdominal muscles after pregnancy, schedule a consultation with your General Practitioner (GP) to get an accurate diagnosis and referral to a plastic surgeon who can recommend appropriate treatment.

What is the best treatment for diastasis recti?

• The best treatment for diastasis recti depends on the severity of the separation and your health condition.
• In mild cases, physical therapy and targeted exercises that strengthen the core and transverse abdominis muscles can help improve the condition.
• In more severe cases, or when conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to repair the separation.

Are there non-surgical options to correct diastasis recti?

• Physical therapy, particularly exercises that strengthen the core, can be an effective first-line treatment.
• A well-structured exercise program can help in tightening the abdominal muscles and reducing the gap.
• Certain lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding straining or heavy lifting can also aid in the management of diastasis recti.
• It’s important to note that while these methods can improve the condition, they may not completely resolve it in severe cases. Therefore, an evaluation by a doctor is crucial to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

Can a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty get me a firm and flat tummy?

• An Abdominoplasty is an effective method to help you get a firmer and flatter Stomach.
• The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. This can result in a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations as individual results can vary depending on factors such as body type, age, and health.
• An Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery is also vital to sustain the results.

What are my options to get a flat tummy?

• There are several options to achieve a flat stomach, both surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical methods include a balanced diet, regular exercise focusing on core strengthening, and weight management.
• In cases where diet and exercise don’t yield desired results due to reasons like significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing, surgical interventions can be considered.
• These include a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty, Liposuction, or a combination of both, depending on the individual’s needs.
• Non-invasive body contouring treatments, such as CoolSculpting or radiofrequency devices, may also be options for some individuals

Further Reading about Body Procedures with Dr. Guy Watts

• Read Dr. Watts’ Abdominoplasty Surgery Page
• Read Dr. Watts’ Liposuction Surgery Page
• See Dr. Watts’ Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Before and After Photo Gallery
• Read Dr. Watts’ Post Pregnancy Surgery Page
• Read Dr. Watts’ Belly Bulge After Baby: Is It Diastasis Recti, Abdominal Fat, or Both?

Medical References about Diastasis Recti and Abdominoplasty

• What to know about physical therapy for diastasis recti
• Mesh Repair of Rectus Diastasis for Abdominoplasty is Safer than Suture Plication
• Impact of Rectus Diastasis Repair on Abdominal Strength and Function
• Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti) – WebMD
• Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation): Symptoms & Treatment