From Laura Inverarity, D.O.,
Your Guide to Physical Therapy.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Diastisis recti is a medical disorder that involves a separation of the right and left rectus abdominus muscle. It commonly occurs during pregnancy due to the expanding uterus under the abdominal musculature.

The line of separation can be palpated in the midline of the abdomen and is often more apparent during a valsalva effort. The degree of separation, and thus the severity of the condition, is measured in finger tip width distance between the right and left muscles. Strengthening of the abdominal muscles is important in prevention and recovery of diastisis recti.