Does diastasis recti abdominis weaken pelvic floor function? A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pelvic Health
• Postpartum Recovery

Background:

• Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in postpartum women.
• The relationship between DRA and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and the prevalence of UI and POP in women with and without DRA at 6-8 weeks postpartum.
• To identify potential risk factors and associations related to DRA and pelvic floor disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 310 postpartum women were assessed for DRA, PFMS, UI, and POP using standardized measurements (e.g., POP-Q).
• Statistical analyses, including Chi-squared and t-tests, were employed to compare outcomes between women with and without DRA.
• Demographic and delivery-related factors (e.g., BMI, gestational age, mode of delivery) were also analyzed.

Main Results:

• Women with DRA had lower BMI, greater gestational age, and higher birth weights compared to those without DRA.
• DRA incidence was higher in women who underwent cesarean section (CS) versus vaginal delivery (VD).
• No statistically significant differences in PFMS, UI, or POP prevalence were found between women with and without DRA, although trends suggested slightly weaker PFMS and higher UI/POP in the DRA group.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum women with DRA at 6-8 weeks are not statistically more likely to experience weakened PFMS or increased UI or POP.
• Cesarean section was associated with stronger PFMS and lower UI/POP incidence compared to vaginal delivery.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term implications of DRA on pelvic floor health.