Mummy Tummy

Pregnancy

There are a number of  conditions that arise due to a combination of natural body changes and processes that take place during and after pregnancy. 

Diastasis recti, colloquially known as the “mummy tummy,” is a condition where the right and left sides of the rectus abdominis (your front belly muscles) separate. Imagine a zipper that’s halfway undone, creating a gap. It’s that, but with your abdominal muscles.

Often linked to pregnancy, this muscle separation happens when the uterus pushes against the abdominal wall. However, it’s not exclusive to childbirth. 

Weight Gain

Diastasis recti can occur due to weight gain, even outside of pregnancy. This is evident in that both men and women can develop the condition.  Rapid or significant weight gain increases visceral fat in the abdominal area, exerting pressure on the abdominal wall. This pressure can stretch the linea alba, the connective tissue down the abdomen’s center, causing a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. While weight gain is a contributing factor, one’s genetic predisposition, core muscle strength, and lifestyle habits also influence the risk of developing diastasis recti.

Lack of Physical Activity

A lack of physical exercise can contribute to diastasis recti in several ways. Firstly, regular exercise, especially strength training, plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and tone of the abdominal muscles. Without regular exercise, these muscles can become weak and lax. When abdominal muscles are weakened, they are less capable of withstanding intra-abdominal pressures that arise from daily activities, sudden weight gain, or any other factors that stress the abdominal wall. 

Exercise also plays a role in overall posture. Regular physical activity helps in maintaining good postural habits. Poor posture, often seen in individuals who do not engage in regular exercise, can place additional strain on the abdominal muscles, potentially exacerbating or leading to diastasis recti.

Genetics

Genetics significantly shapes the composition and behavior of our connective tissues, which include the linea alba — the band of tissue that runs down the middle of the abdomen and becomes stretched in cases of diastasis recti. At a molecular level, our genes dictate the production of proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for the elasticity, strength, and resilience of connective tissues. Some individuals, due to their genetic makeup, may produce collagen and elastin in differing amounts or qualities, influencing how their tissues respond to strain or stress. For instance, if a woman’s genetic code results in a linea alba that’s naturally less elastic or more prone to stretching without rebounding, she might be at a higher risk for diastasis recti.