Introduction
After pregnancy, many women notice a persistent belly bulge that refuses to go away — even after diet and exercise. While it’s often mistaken for leftover fat, the real cause in many cases is a condition called Divarication of Recti, also known as Diastasis Recti.
This is a common post-pregnancy complication that occurs due to the separation of the abdominal muscles, leading to a weak core and a protruding belly.
In this article, Dr. Tushar Thorat, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Mumbai, explains the condition, its causes, and how it can be effectively treated with Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery.
What is Divarication of Recti?
Divarication of Recti refers to the separation of the two parallel abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) that run vertically from the chest to the pelvis.
During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches these muscles, and the tissue connecting them (the linea alba) becomes thin and weak.
When the muscles fail to come back together after delivery, it leads to a visible bulge or pouch in the midsection — commonly mistaken for stubborn fat.
