Pregnancy-related diastasis recti abdominus (DRA) is a normal part of pregnancy related changes, and occurs as the growing fetus and uterus stretch the connective tissues that join the abdominal muscles.

Almost all women will have a DRA by the later stages of pregnancy.

Until recently, many pregnancy-related exercise guidelines advised against abdominal exercises for fear that it may widen the DRA.

New research has changed this perspective; Theodorsen et al, 2024 showed that pregnancy-suitable abdominal and pelvic floor exercises have a negligible effect of the DRA, both during pregnancy and at 6 weeks post-partum.

Theodorsen et al, (2024). Pregnant women may exercise both abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy without increasing the diastasis recti abdominus: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy. 70: 142-148.