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The Harley Street Skin Clinic

Precision cosmetic surgery tailored to enhance and refine your natural beauty.

Comprehensive solutions to address a range of body concerns, from stubborn fat to skin laxity.

Breasts

Tailored solutions for breast concerns, including size, shape, and symmetry.

Other Areas

Targeted solutions for stubborn areas of the body, tailored to your unique needs.

Volume & Contouring

Specialized treatments to enhance body volume and improve overall contour for a balanced silhouette.

Holistic care focused on improving overall health and well-being for a balanced lifestyle.

Digestive Health

Comprehensive care to support digestive health and improve overall well-being.

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Holistic approaches to boost energy levels and strengthen your immune system for optimal health.

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Personalized strategies to maintain and enhance your overall health and vitality.

Expert care for a wide variety of skin and facial concerns, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.

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Expert treatments to minimize ageing signs, rejuvenating your skin for a youthful glow.

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Advanced treatments to improve skin texture and even out tone for a smoother, radiant complexion.

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Targeted treatments to address skin concerns in specific facial areas for balanced, refined results.

Volume & Contouring

Tailored solutions to restore facial volume and enhance natural contours for a more youthful appearance.

The condition

Core Connection Awarenes

Abdominal separation

What is diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti or diastasis recti abdominis happens when the rectus abdominis muscles in the middle of your stomach, often called the “six-pack” muscles, move apart. Rectus abdominis diastasis is common in pregnant and postpartum women because the growing baby stretches these rectus muscles. It can affect up to 60% of women during pregnancy or post birth according to studies.

But it’s more than just a pregnant women issue. Diastasis recti can also occur in men, newborn babies, or anyone who exerts excessive stress on their stomach muscles. That can occur from heavy weight-lifting performed incorrectly, or too intensive abdominal exercises.

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The symptoms

Belly bulge

You may notice a bump or bulge in the middle of your stomach, particularly if you sit up or pick something up.

Weak stomach

Your belly might be softer, less easily firmed up or controlled.

Back pain

The muscles might also be weaker, leading to a sore or tired lower back.

Poor posture

You may notice it’s harder to sit or stand straight.

Bloated feeling

Your stoma-ch could feel full or uncomfortable after eating.

Pelvic pressure

Some people might feel heaviness or weakness in the lower or belly button area.

When to see a doctor?
Prioritize Abdominal Health
How does it affect me?

You need to get an examination from a doctor for diastasis recti abdominis if you observe your stomach bulge expanding or becoming more pronounced particularly whilst you carry weights.

If you’re having persistent back or pelvic pain, or pressure in the lower abdomen, it’s also a good idea to be checked out.

If you struggle with everyday tasks such as bending, lifting or exercising due to weak abdominal muscles, or leak urine when sneezing or laughing, these could indicate that you need professional help. If your symptoms aren’t improving with basic stretching or home therapy, a doctor can discuss the best treatment options.

The causes
What causes digestive problems?
  • Increased abdominal pressure: Excessive force on the belly can split the stomach muscles apart.
  • Pregnancy: The uterus stretches the rectus abdominis diastasis and connective tissue in the belly as the baby grows.
  • Pushing during childbirth: Pushing can cause staggering in muscles.
  • Lifting and straining: These reverse movements put pressure on your belly muscles when lifting heavy things or pushing too hard.
  • Rapid weight changes: It also can cause the abdominal muscles separate along the center of the stomach if the person gains or loses weight too quickly.
  • Genetics: Others are more risky to develop diastasis recti due to their family history.
  • Newborns: Premature babies may also have diastasis recti because their muscles aren’t completely developed yet, but they generally outgrow it.
The risk factors
What makes you at risk for diastasis recti?

Fewer things which can increase the chances of having diastasis recti abdominis are:

  • Having multiple pregnancies, particularly closely spaced.
  • Being over 35 years old.
  • Carrying twins or triplets.
  • Having a larger baby.
  • Being very petite.
  • Excessive inner abdominal pressure through vaginal birth.
The complications
Core Health Matters
Is it capable of serious health conditions?
  • Diastasis recti can lead to a number of problems, such as difficulty with coordination and motion since the core muscles have weakened. Specific movements will aggravate abdominal splitting, leading to pain in the back and pelvis. Your posture may suffer, making it more difficult to sit or stand properly. It can also involve the pelvic floor, with such issues as urinary incontinence. The most serious consequence can be an umbilical hernia, when organs protrude through the weakened muscles in the ab.

The prevention
Strengthen Core Safely
Why does it help prevent diastasis recti?

For your abdominal wall to be supported and reduce the risk of separation, you should strengthen your core muscles. Core-targeting exercises can help maintain strong muscles and prepare them for the additional strain particularly during pregnancy.

Best core exercises.

Gentle movements like pelvic tilts, modified planks or deep breathing can build core strength while avoiding undue stress to muscles. It’s also best to avoid doing exercises that can exacerbate the issue, like crunches.

Healthy Weight Support
How do weight maintenance prevent diastasis recti?

Maintaining a healthy weight throughout pregnancy can minimize strain on abdominal muscles. Increased weight gain can actually overstretch and strain the muscles leading to abdominal separation.

Managing weight during pregnancy.

Maintaining a balanced diet and getting regular exercise help keep your weight in a reasonable range. Concentrate on eating good foods, and getting up and walking around with the light exercising your doctor will allow.

Lift Smartly Always
How to avoid diastasis recti from lifting?

Lifting correctly can help alleviate pressure on your abs. On the other hand, if you’re not lifting heavy things in the right way then that can make abdominal separation worse, particularly if it’s habitual.

Tips for proper lifting.

Lift with your knees and keep an object close to you. Do not twist at the waist as you lift. These easy steps safeguard your core muscles and avoid strain.

Pelvic Floor Power
How do pelvic floor exercises help prevent diastasis recti?

Exercising your pelvic floor muscles supports your abdomen. This may help relieve pressure on your core, lowering the risk for separation, especially during pregnancy.

Pelvic floor exercises avoid diastasis recti.

They can also be used to assess the pelvic floor muscles, as well as help strengthen them (kegels). Regular practice can improve pelvic floor dysfunction and help support the muscles of the belly.

Protect Core Pressure
Why is avoiding excessive straining important?

Straining during lifting, and exercising, for example, increases the pressure on your stomach muscles, and this pressure can lead to abdominal separation. You don’t want to be pushing too much on your belly, especially later in pregnancy.

Ways to avoid strenuous activities and exercises,

Stick to lighter activities and safe exercises in pregnancy. Home in on breathing techniques that alleviate pressure on your abdomen, and remember to consult your doctor about what you’re doing to make sure it’s safe.

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    Why does it help prevent diastasis recti?
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    How to avoid diastasis recti from lifting?
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    How do pelvic floor exercises help prevent diastasis recti?
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