All pregnant women will develop a degree of abdominal separation during their third trimester of pregnancy. It is an amazing adaptation of your abdominal wall to allow growth of your baby

A ‘normal tummy gap’ is roughly the distance between your second and third knuckle and should feel like the space in between. It is not just about the gap, it is the tension that matters the most.

In pregnancy, the rectus abdominus muscle (commonly known as the '6-pack' muscle) will stretch and move towards either side of the abdominal wall. The linea alba which runs down the centre of the abdominal wall will also stretch and widen. This is referred to as ‘the gap’. For many women, this natural separation will close during the first 6-8 weeks postpartum. For others, the separation will remain causing a range of symptoms including lower back pain and pelvic floor muscle problems.

Women’s health physio can help you to rehabilitate the muscles. If you are concerned, abdominal wall assessment is included during a Post Natal MOT (mummy MOT)

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Post-natal MOT
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Women's Health Physiotherapy

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