OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) among primiparae and multiparae immediately after vaginal delivery, and to compare DRAM above and below the umbilicus and correlate these with the mother's age, body mass index, gestational age and duration of labor. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Personal information, obstetric history and DRAM measurements 4.5 cm above and below the umbilicus were recorded. DRAM was graded by the number of fingerbreadths (approximately 1.5 cm each) between the medial edges of this muscle. DRAM was considered present and relevant if the separation was >2 cm at any measurement point. RESULTS: Data from 467 women were analyzed. Above the umbilicus, the prevalence of DRAM >2 cm was 68%. Below the umbilicus, the prevalence of DRAM >2 cm was 32%. The prevalence of DRAM above the umbilicus among primiparae and multiparae was identical (68%), and the prevalence below the umbilicus was greater among multiparae (19.8% and 29.2%). The mean DRAM above the umbilicus was 2.8 cm (±1.2) and the mean DRAM below the umbilicus was 1.5 cm (±1.1), representing a significant difference (p=0.0001) and a weak correlation (r=0.461). The mean DRAM below the umbilicus was significantly greater among the multiparae (p<0.018) and there was no correlation with the mother's age, body mass index, gestational age or duration of labor. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DRAM and mean DRAM were greater above the umbilicus both among multiparae and primiparae. Below the umbilicus, the mean DRAM was significantly greater among multiparae. DRAM below the umbilicus presented a weak correlation with DRAM above the umbilicus.
postpartum period; diastasis; rectus abdominis; physical therapy; delivery
