Can Abdominal Separation (Diastasis) Heal Without Surgery?
Answer:
For many women, the gap narrows a lot on its own over the first year, and exercise helps your abdomen get strong again. Whether it closes completely is a different question, and for some women it won’t.
During pregnancy, the two sides of your abdominal muscles stretch apart to make room for your baby. This is called abdominal separation, or diastasis.
The good news is that a fully closed gap isn’t the goal. Recovery is about your abdomen working well and supporting you, and many women can get there without surgery.
Recovery is about how your abdomen works, not closing the gap
Recovering from abdominal separation isn’t about closing the gap between your abdominal muscles. Research hasn’t found a clear link between the size of the gap and how well your abdomen works. Two women with the same measurement can feel and function very differently.
Recovery is about your abdomen supporting you again. That means being able to lift, carry, move and breathe comfortably, with your core working together with the rest of your body.
What happens after birth
For many women, the gap starts to narrow on its own in the first 8 weeks after birth, as hormone levels settle and the abdominal muscles adapt. How much it narrows, and how quickly, is different for every woman.
There’s no agreed measure of when a separation counts as recovered. On its own, the size of the gap doesn’t tell you whether your recovery is complete.
For more, read our article What Does a Diastasis Measurement Tell You? | WHEN
Your abdomen after birth
For most women, your abdomen will look and feel different after birth, and for many that change is permanent. Your body has grown and birthed a baby.
A different abdomen isn’t a weaker one. With time, it can be strong and support you well in everything you do.
For more, read our article Your abdomen after pregnancy. What nobody is telling you. – WHEN
Can exercise help?
Yes, exercise is an important part of your recovery. No single exercise has been shown to close the gap, so the focus is on building strength across your whole core, gradually and at a pace that suits your body.
You can start at home, for free. Our articles Can I Do Sit-Ups After Having a Baby? | WHEN and When Can I Start Exercising After Having a Baby? | WHEN have practical ideas to get you going.
An exercise professional with postnatal training can also check how your abdomen is working and help you plan your next steps.
What about surgery?
Surgery can be an option for some women, especially when the separation is affecting how your body works and exercise hasn’t helped enough.
For other women, the concern is how their abdomen looks and feels. That’s a valid reason to talk through your options, including surgery, with a specialist.
Surgery is a big procedure with a long recovery. You’ll usually have limits on lifting for at least six weeks, and it takes around three months for the repair to get close to full strength. That can be hard with a baby or young children to care for. A good specialist will talk this through with you honestly before you decide.
A referral to a specialist with experience in abdominal wall repair is the right place to start.
Where to get support
You can start at home, for free. Building strength gradually across your core is a good first step, and our article When Can I Start Exercising After Having a Baby? | WHEN has simple ideas to get you going.
A women’s health physiotherapist or an exercise professional with postnatal training can check how your abdomen is working, if you’re able to access one.
Thinking about surgery? Your GP is the first stop. They can talk through your options and refer you to a specialist.
Health professionals can find the full clinical detail in WHEN’s position statement,Abdominal Exercise and Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy – WHEN
Binding and support garments
Some women find wearing support helps them feel more comfortable in the early weeks after birth. Support can help you feel more held together as you move, lift and care for your baby. It won’t close the gap on its own, so use it alongside building your strength, not instead of it.
You don’t need expensive recovery shorts. A cheap pair of bike shorts or high-waisted leggings can give you good support. Another low-cost option is tubular bandage, like Tubigrip, from your pharmacy. It can be washed and reused. Hem the cut edges first, as they can fray.
Make sure your support isn’t too tight. Too much pressure around your abdomen can push down on your pelvic floor. It should feel firm but comfortable, and you should be able to breathe easily and move freely. Try not to wear it all the time, so your body doesn’t come to rely on it.
References
Cabral et al. (2025). Transversus abdominis and rectus abdominis activation exercises do not alter inter-recti distance in pregnant women: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 71, 254-259.
Gluppe et al. (2021). 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, 25, 664-675.
Skoura et al. (2024). Diastasis recti abdominis rehabilitation in the postpartum period: a scoping review. International Urogynecology Journal, 35, 491-520.
Bixo et al. (2022). Association between inter-recti distance and impaired abdominal core function in post-partum women with diastasis recti abdominis. Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery.
Lee and Hodges (2016). Behavior of the linea alba during a curl-up task in diastasis rectus abdominis: an observational study. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 46, 580-589.
Developed by the WHEN Clinical Team
Clinically reviewed by the WHEN Clinical Governance Committee
Last reviewed: 04/10/2026
With clinical input from Peta Titter, RN, Advanced Diploma of Pilates, continence nurse specialist. Honours research in diastasis recti. PhD candidate, University of Tasmania. Founder and CEO, WHEN.
