Request a consultationConsultation

Diastasis recti

Muscle separation after pregnancy: physio first

In shortA gap between the two halves of the main tummy muscle (diastasis recti, or DRAM) is normal in pregnancy. The HSE says a gap between the tummy muscles is normal in pregnancy and can take up to six weeks after the birth to close, sometimes longer. It advises asking your GP for a physiotherapy referral if you're worried about the gap after eight weeks. A full tummy tuck can stitch the muscles together later, but physio comes first.

Build my mummy makeover

Your costs and your six weeks, together

Pick the parts, then four quick questions about home. You'll see our price range and a recovery planner. Nothing is sent unless you choose to.

What would you like to change?

Pick one or more.

What it is

The main tummy muscle has two halves joined by tissue down the middle. As the baby grows, that tissue stretches and thins, and it can feel like a gap above or below the belly button. It's normal, and for many women it closes over the weeks after the birth.

A woman kneeling on an exercise mat

The HSE self-check

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent.
  • Lift your head and shoulders a little.
  • Put your fingertips above your belly button and feel for a gap in the middle, then turn your fingers sideways to feel its width.
  • Check below the belly button too. More than two fingers' width is a gap worth working on.

After a caesarean, the HSE says to wait at least five weeks before checking, so the scar can heal.

What helps first

  • A binder or compression top, which the HSE says can help narrow the gap for up to eight weeks after the birth
  • The exercises the HSE describes, including crunches, which it says to leave until 12 weeks after a caesarean
  • A physiotherapy referral from your GP if you're worried about the gap after eight weeks

When surgery comes in

If the gap is still there after physio and time, and there's loose skin as well, a full tummy tuck can stitch the muscle edges back together while it removes the skin. A mini tummy tuck usually doesn't repair the muscles above the belly button. Liposuction doesn't repair them at all.

What it can't fix

Surgery doesn't replace the work: core strength after the operation still comes from gradual exercise once your surgeon says so. And a later pregnancy can stretch the repair again.

Questions people ask

Is muscle separation after pregnancy normal?

Yes. The HSE says the gap is normal in pregnancy and can take up to six weeks after the birth to reduce, sometimes longer.

How do I check for diastasis recti?

Lie on your back, knees bent, lift your head and shoulders and feel above and below the belly button. More than two fingers is a gap.

Can physio fix it?

For many women physio and time close it enough. Ask your GP for a referral if you're worried after eight weeks.

Does a tummy tuck fix muscle separation?

A full tummy tuck can stitch the muscles together. It's for when physio hasn't been enough and there's loose skin too.

More guides

What it includesCost in IrelandRecovery with small childrenWhen to have itThe scarsRisks and safetyOne operation or two?Turkey or Ireland?

Plan it around your family

Pick the parts and see the cost and the six weeks after, side by side. One clinic contacts you only if you ask, and nothing is booked until you say yes.

Build my mummy makeover