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Diastasis Recti: What That Postpartum Belly Bulge Might Be Telling You


Woman resting hands over postpartum abdomen with visible belly bulge, used as a blog cover for ĀLow Mobile Physio's article titled “Diastasis Recti: What That Postpartum Belly Bulge Might Be Telling You.”

Understanding Diastasis Recti: More Than Just a “Mom Pooch”

Hi, I’m Ash — a mobile physiotherapist offering in-home physiotherapy in Vancouver. Today, we’re talking about Diastasis Recti, a condition many postpartum women experience but few fully understand.


Have you noticed a soft gap, bulge, or lingering belly bump since giving birth? You’re not imagining it. It might be Diastasis Recti — and it’s more common than you think.


What Is Diastasis Recti?

During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles naturally stretch to accommodate your growing baby. Sometimes, the tissue connecting the left and right sides of your abdominal wall (the linea alba) becomes overstretched and separates. This is called Diastasis Recti Abdominis.


Medical diagram showing Diastasis Recti before and after treatment, highlighting separated versus repaired abdominal muscles, rectus abdominis, and linea alba connective tissue, with ĀLow Mobile Physio branding

While it’s extremely common — affecting up to 60% of postpartum individuals — many women are left without answers, treatment, or support.


Signs You Might Have Diastasis Recti

  • A visible bulge or dome along the midline of your stomach, especially when doing sit-ups or getting out of bed

  • Softness or a gap between your abdominal muscles

  • Core weakness or instability

  • Low back pain or pelvic discomfort

  • Postural issues

  • A belly that still appears “pregnant” months after delivery


Close-up of a physiotherapist performing a hands-on abdominal assessment on a postpartum woman in blue activewear, checking for diastasis recti during in-home physio care.

Why It Matters

Diastasis Recti isn’t just cosmetic. Even a mild separation can impact:

  • Core strength and function

  • Pelvic floor stability

  • Breathing patterns

  • How you lift, carry, or exercise

  • Overall confidence and comfort in your body


Without proper rehab, it can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary leakage, poor posture, and chronic back or hip pain.


The Good News: It’s Treatable

With the right approach — not endless crunches or intense HIIT workouts — Diastasis Recti can improve significantly, and in many cases, fully resolve.


At ĀLow Mobile Physio, we focus on:

  • Gentle, progressive exercises that activate your transverse abdominis (deep core)

  • Breathing techniques that reestablish pressure control

  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation that complements core recovery

  • Postural alignment strategies

  • Education around safe movement patterns for lifting, feeding, and carrying your baby


Why In-Home Physiotherapy?

Being postpartum is hard enough — we make recovery easier by bringing care to you.

Whether you're navigating nap schedules or breastfeeding sessions, we provide:


Pregnant woman lying on a treatment table during an in-home physiotherapy session in Vancouver, receiving care related to Diastasis Recti assessment and treatment.

  • Private, one-on-one assessments

  • Custom rehab programs tailored to your goals

  • Hands-on techniques and guided support in your home

  • A flexible, compassionate approach that fits your pace


What to Expect in Your Diastasis Recti Assessment

  1. A gentle abdominal wall examination to assess the depth and width of your separation

  2. Postural and breathing analysis

  3. Functional movement tests to evaluate how your core is working

  4. An individualized recovery plan that evolves as you regain strength


Your Postpartum Journey, Respected

Every body heals differently. Whether you're six weeks or six years postpartum, it’s never too late to reconnect with your core.


Close-up of a woman’s toned postpartum abdomen in activewear, symbolizing successful core recovery after Diastasis Recti treatment through physiotherapy.

Let’s work together to rebuild your strength, realign your body, and restore your confidence — without ever leaving home.


Serving Greater Vancouver with In-Home Care

We bring physiotherapy to your living room — from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and beyond.


Ready to Begin?

If you suspect Diastasis Recti or want to feel stronger in your postpartum body, book your in-home assessment today.


Location:

ĀLow Mobile Physio, #707, 1160 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2E8


Phone:

(604) 861-3454


Email:


Website:

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