Impact of diastasis recti abdominis muscle on the posture and quality of life in the primiparous postpartum women-a cross sectional survey

There is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle along the Linea alba in the midline postnatally. The separation which is greater than 2 cm or 2 finger-width is considered as diastasis recti abdominis. Diastasis Recti Abdominis is a very common and prevalent musculoskeletal condition faced by the mother immediately post-delivery and if ignore can give rise to long-term musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, hernia, etc. The factors responsible for causing diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy are- increased level of relaxin, progesterone, and estrogen hormones which cause the softening of the connective tissues and thus weakening of the Linea alba.

There is a dearth of literature on the postural deviation in primiparous mothers. So, the current study will help us to evaluate the impact of diastasis recti abdominis muscle on the posture and quality of life.

The study was conducted on primiparous postpartum women from the urban community and SGT Hospital and Research Centre, Gurugram. It was a cross-sectional survey and convenient sampling was done. A total number of 100 primiparous postpartum women were taken. The diastasis recti were measured by digital nylon calliper, posture was assessed using magnetic base inclinometer and quality of life was assessed by maternal postpartum quality of life questionnaire.

There was a positive correlation of the diastasis recti abdominis with the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. There was a negative correlation of the diastasis recti abdominis with the quality of life.

The study concludes that the postpartum primiparous women who have a normal delivery and having diastasis recti abdominis muscle have poor posture i.e., there is increased thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis which lead to various complications like back pain, urinary incontinence.