Pregnancy is a transformative journey for the body, and among the most significant changes many women experience is Diastasis Recti Abdominis Muscle (DRAM), commonly referred to as abdominal separation. While DRAM is often discussed in postpartum recovery circles, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding around what it is, how it affects the body, and the best paths to recovery. This blog post explores the science behind DRAM, its implications for postpartum health, and evidence-based approaches for healing—including the role of Supacore compression wear.

What is DRAM?

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRAM) refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, the connective tissue that runs vertically down the center of the abdomen. This condition occurs as a result of the stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester (Mota et al., 2015). It is estimated that up to 60% of women experience DRAM in the late stages of pregnancy or postpartum (Sperstad et al., 2016).

DRAM is not simply a cosmetic issue; it can lead to core instability, lower back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and reduced physical function (Gilles et al., 2018).

Causes and Risk Factors

While all pregnant individuals are at risk of developing DRAM due to the natural expansion of the uterus, certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Multiple pregnancies
  
• High birth weight
  
• Age over 35
  
• Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
  
• Poor core muscle tone prior to pregnancy
  

Hormonal changes that increase connective tissue elasticity also contribute to the development of DRAM (Boissonnault & Blaschak, 1988).

Recognizing the Symptoms

DRAM may not cause pain directly but manifests in symptoms such as:

• A visible ridge or bulge along the midline of the abdomen
  
• Lower back pain
  
• Difficulty engaging the core
  
• Poor posture
  
• Pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, heaviness)
  

Healthcare professionals typically diagnose DRAM through a physical exam or via ultrasound for more accurate assessment (Benjamin et al., 2014).

Evidence-Based Recovery Approaches

1. Physical Therapy and Core Rehabilitation

Targeted physical therapy focusing on the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles is considered the first-line treatment for DRAM. Research shows that specific postpartum exercises can significantly reduce inter-recti distance and improve functional outcomes (Lee & Hodges, 2016). A study by Gluppe et al. (2018) found that an 8-week core rehabilitation program resulted in improved abdominal muscle function and reduced separation.

2. Supacore Compression Wear

Supacore’s patented Coretech® compression technology is designed specifically to assist with core stability, pelvic alignment, and functional recovery in postpartum individuals. The medical-grade compression targets key areas—pelvis, lower back, and abdominal wall—creating external support that mimics the role of deep core muscles.

How Supacore Helps:

• Stabilizes the Core: Supacore compression garments provide circumferential support to the core and pelvis, aiding in load transfer during movement and reducing reliance on weakened muscles.
  
  
• Reduces Discomfort: The compression can alleviate feelings of instability or "softness" in the abdominal wall, which many women experience postpartum.
  
  
• Improves Proprioception: Compression enhances the brain’s awareness of the core, improving neuromuscular control and posture (Polden & Mantle, 2004).
  
  
• Supports Safe Movement: By reducing excessive strain on the linea alba during daily tasks, Supacore helps prevent further separation and supports healing when combined with appropriate exercises.
  
  

While more randomized controlled trials are needed specifically on DRAM and compression garments, early clinical feedback and biomechanical rationale strongly support their use as part of a holistic recovery approach.

3. Avoiding Harmful Movements

Activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure—such as sit-ups, heavy lifting, or uncontrolled twisting—can exacerbate DRAM. Postpartum individuals should be guided by qualified physiotherapists to modify movements and avoid exacerbating the separation.

4. When to Consider Surgery

In rare cases where DRAM persists despite conservative treatment and causes significant functional impairment or herniation, surgical intervention (abdominoplasty) may be considered. This option is usually reserved for severe cases and should be discussed thoroughly with healthcare professionals.

Empowering Recovery Through Education

Awareness and understanding are the first steps toward effective recovery. DRAM is a natural, common occurrence, and with the right support—including physiotherapy, compression garments like Supacore, and safe movement strategies—most individuals can recover effectively and restore core strength.

References

Benjamin, D. R., van de Water, A. T., & Peiris, C. L. (2014). Effects of exercise on diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle in the antenatal and postnatal periods: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 100(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2013.08.005

Boissonnault, J. S., & Blaschak, M. J. (1988). Incidence of diastasis recti abdominis during the childbearing year. Physical Therapy, 68(7), 1082–1086. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/68.7.1082

Gilles, M. A., de Oliveira, L. V. F., & Medeiros, J. M. (2018). Diastasis of the rectus abdominis in the postpartum period and associated factors: A cross-sectional study. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 31, e003110. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5918.031.ao10

Gluppe, S. L., Hilde, G., Tennfjord, M. K., Engh, M. E., & Bø, K. (2018). Effect of a postpartum training program on vaginal symptoms and abdominal muscle separation: a randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 131(2), 271-278. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002446

Lee, D., & Hodges, P. W. (2016). Behavior of the linea alba during a curl-up task in diastasis rectus abdominis: An observational study. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 46(7), 580–589. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6216

Mota, P., Pascoal, A. G., Carita, A. I., & Bø, K. (2015). Normal width of the inter-recti distance in pregnant and postpartum women. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(4), 270–275. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092452

Polden, M., & Mantle, J. (2004). Physiotherapy in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2nd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann.

Sperstad, J. B., Tennfjord, M. K., Hilde, G., Ellström-Engh, M., & Bø, K. (2016). Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(17), 1092–1096. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096065