Frequency of Diastasis Recti in Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy in Jinnah Hospital Lahore. A Cross-Sectional Study
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Diastasis Recti (DR) is a condition characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, commonly occurring among pregnant women. Despite its prevalence, awareness of DR and its implications remains low. This study aims to investigate the frequency of DR in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and to identify any associated risk factors.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of DR among pregnant women in their second and third trimesters and to assess the level of awareness about the condition. Additionally, the study seeks to explore the relationship between DR and potential risk factors such as the number of pregnancies, Body Mass Index (BMI), and engagement in abdominal muscle exercises.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, involving 64 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling. DR was assessed using the Finger width method, alongside a questionnaire to gather demographic information and assess awareness levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics to summarize demographic data, and chi-square tests to explore associations between DR and identified risk factors.
Results: Among the 64 participants, DR was present in 45.3% (29/64) of the sample, with a higher prevalence observed in the third trimester. The majority of participants (90.6%) reported never performing abdominal muscle exercises. A systematic review indicated that antenatal exercises could reduce DR cases by approximately 35%. However, awareness of DR among participants was notably lacking, with none having prior knowledge of the condition. Additionally, there was no significant association between DR and BMI, or the frequency of abdominal exercises.
Conclusion: DR is a prevalent condition among pregnant women, particularly in their third trimester, with a significant lack of awareness observed. While the number of pregnancies appears to be a contributing factor, other explored risk factors such as BMI and engagement in abdominal exercises did not show a significant association with DR. These findings highlight the need for increased educational efforts and further research to better understand and manage DR during pregnancy.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Benjamin D, Van de Water A, Peiris C. Effects of exercise on diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle in the antenatal and postnatal periods: a systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2014;100(1):1-8.
Yvonne Butler Tobah MD. Why do abdominal muscles sometimes separate during pregnancy? : Mayo CLinic; [updated August 5 2017. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/diastasis-recti/faq-20057825.
Maurice Nahabedian M. Rectus abdominis diastasis: UpToDate; [updated Mar 22, 2017. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/rectus-abdominis-diastasis.
Contributors P. Diastasis Recti: Physiopedia; [updated 20 October 2017. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Diastasis_Recti&oldid=179969.
Shertoff J. Diastasis Recti: What Is It, and How Is It Treated? : Healthline; [updated November 20 2017. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/diastasis-recti.
Nahabedian MY, editor Management strategies for diastasis recti. Seminars in Plastic Surgery; 2018: Thieme Medical Publishers.
Turan V, Colluoglu C, Turkuilmaz E, Korucuoglu U. Prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in the population of young multiparous adults in Turkey. Ginekologia polska. 2011;82(11).
Michalska A, Rokita W, Wolder D, Pogorzelska J, Kaczmarczyk K. Diastasis recti abdominis—a review of treatment methods. Ginekologia polska. 2018;89(2):97-101.
Traci C. Johnson M. Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti): WebMD; 2016 [Available from: https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/abdominal-separation-diastasis-recti#2.
Yaseen K, Anwar N, Ayesha S, Tauqeer S, Khalid K, Shaheen F. Prevalence of Diastasis Recti among Pregnant Women: A Cross Sectional Study. Pakistan Journal of Medical Research. 2022;61(1):40-2.
Gluppe SL, Hilde G, Tennfjord MK, Engh ME, Bø K. Effect of a Postpartum Training Program on the Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Physical Therapy. 2018;98(4):260-8.
Sperstad JB, Tennfjord MK, Hilde G, Ellström-Engh M, Bø K. Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. Br J Sports Med. 2016:bjsports-2016-096065.
Sperstad JB, Tennfjord MK, Hilde G, Ellström-Engh M, Bø K. Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. British journal of sports medicine. 2016;50(17):1092-6.
Keshwani N, Mathur S, McLean L. Relationship Between Inter-rectus Distance and Symptom Severity in Women With Diastasis Recti in the Early Postpartum Period. Physical therapy. 2017.
Spitznagle TM, Leong FC, Van Dillen LR. Prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in a urogynecological patient population. International urogynecology journal. 2007;18(3):321-8.
Wang Q, Yu X, Chen G, Sun X, Wang J. Does diastasis recti abdominis weaken pelvic floor function? A cross-sectional study. International Urogynecology Journal. 2020;31(2):277-83.
Parker MA, Millar LA, Dugan SA. Diastasis Rectus Abdominis and Lumbo‐Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction‐Are They Related? Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy. 2009;33(2):15-22.
Sharma G, Lobo T, Keller L. Postnatal exercise can reverse diastasis recti. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2014;123:171S.
Gluppe S, Engh ME, Bø K. What is the evidence for abdominal and pelvic floor muscle training to treat diastasis recti abdominis postpartum? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Brazilian journal of physical therapy. 2021.
Gitta S, Magyar Z, Tardi P, Füge I, Járomi M, Ács P, et al. Prevalence, potential risk factors and sequelae of diastasis recti abdominis. Orvosi hetilap. 2017;158(12):454.