Prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in the population of young multiparous adults in Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA). Material and Methods: Between January 2011 and May 2011, we examined 95 patients, aged between 19-24, for the presence of DRA during an ultrasonographic exploration in Mus Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Mus, Turkey. DRA was graded by the number of fingerbreadths between the medial edges of the bellies of the rectus abdominis muscle, 3-4 cm above the umbilicus. The exclusion criteria included urogynecologic problems since childhood, excessive protrusion of the vagina due to loss of support, pregnancy, obesity, less than 6 months postpartum. The relationship between DRA and parity, previous abdominal surgery, pelvic relaxation as well as type of parity was assessed. Results: Positive correlation was found between parity and DRA (r=0.77; p<0.001). Although there was no significant difference between DRA and the type of delivery among primiparous patients (p=0.556), DRA increased significantly in the second cesarean section patients (p=0.004). In this trial, cystocele and rectocele were established in 57% and 43% of patients with DRA, while descensus uteri was present in 10 (52%) patients. Conclusions: Increased parity and recurrent abdominal surgery seem to increase the risk of DRA. However; the importance of DRA in the young women remains unknown.