Can diastasis recti heal on its own?

Whether rectus diastasis can heal on its own depends on the individual situation. If it is a mild case of rectus diastasis, spontaneous recovery may be possible. However, in severe cases, self-repair is typically not achievable. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and follow professional guidance for treatment. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Rectus diastasis commonly occurs in the late stages of pregnancy. As the uterus enlarges continuously, the rectus abdominis muscles gradually elongate, causing the two rectus muscles to separate from the midline (linea alba), resulting in a gap. In mild cases of rectus diastasis, appropriate rest, avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure (such as lifting heavy objects or engaging in vigorous exercise), and targeted rehabilitation exercises—such as core muscle training—can help the muscles gradually recover on their own.

If the rectus diastasis is severe—for instance, if the separation exceeds three finger-widths, or if the rectus muscles fail to return to their normal position after prolonged attempts at self-repair—spontaneous recovery is unlikely. At this stage, medical intervention and more systematic, professional rehabilitation therapy under a doctor's supervision are typically required.

During the recovery process, avoiding activities that may increase intra-abdominal pressure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance the rehabilitation outcome.