Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a Greek terminology meaning the separation of the rectus abdominal muscles into separate right and left halves. Thus, causing an unnatural opening in the abdominal wall resulting to evisceration of the abdominal contents usually involving the intestines. This condition is apparent among pre-term newborns whose midline fusion of the abdominal wall on gestation fails to occur. In this era of greater advancement in diagnostic medicine, it is now possible with the aid of ultrasound to diagnose intrapartum this surgically correctable malformation. Another minor form of diastasis recti can occur among post-term mothers, this condition resulting from the stretching of the rectus abdominis muscles and thinning of the abbdominal wall by the growing gravid uterus. Immediate evacuation and delivery of the fetus is necessary to prevent impending maternal and fetal complications.