An Overview of the Studies on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women

Abstract

Introduction: Local and systemic changes that occur during pregnancy and child birth return to pre-pregnancy state during the postpartum period which is marked by musculoskeletal issues due to hormonal influence. This in turn adversely affects the rectus abdominis muscle causing Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA). Objectives: To analyze the prevalence, commonly used assessment techniques, treatment options, and research output of DRA in postpartum women. Methods: Electronic search of Pub Med, Science Direct, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science was carried out. A data extraction form was structured and the analysis was performed. Results: Total of 77 articles on DRA in postpartum women were analyzed after applying the exclusion criteria. The results were suggestive of the high global prevalence of postpartum DRA. The trend in research in the field of DRA and postpartum has increased drastically in recent years. Ultrasound imaging was found to be the most reliable tool of assessment in DRA although palpation is clinically accepted as a reliable method. Conclusion: There is evidence from the literature supporting the high prevalence of DRA which needs to be addressed. International guidelines for the cut-off value for IRD to determine the DRA along the linea alba is lacking. Efforts are necessary to determine better strategies to prevent DRA and IRD, thereby reduce the incidence of secondary hernia and its complications . The awareness about the antenatal and postnatal care is equally important which requires contribution from clinicians across the health care profession.