DRAM in Pregnancy and Postpartum

DRAM in pregnancy and postnatally

By 35 weeks gestation approximately 2 out of 3 women experience separation of the Rectus Abdominus muscle-DRAM.

It is caused by a combination of the growing baby stretching the abdominal wall, hormonal changes, weight gain & weakness due to lengthening of the abdominal wall.

The abdominals need to stretch during pregnancy to allow for the growth of the baby, however, in some women, they stretch a lot.

Average DRAM is usually 1-2cm but some women experience a larger DRAM (>3cm separation) These women may be at greater risk of experiencing low back pain, hernia’s, pelvic girdle pain & pelvic ‑floor dysfunction due to the weakness in the abdominals affecting the stability of the trunk and pelvis.

How to help prevent DRAM and recover postnatally?

• Wear a tubigrip to support the abdominals, especially in the last trimester and recovering postnatally.

• Wear compression garments in the first few months recovering postnatally.

• Perform deep abdominal & pelvic ‑floor exercises

• Supervised pilates sessions with a physiotherapist.

• Avoid heavy lifting or carrying toddlers.

• No sit ups, roll to your side to get up.

• Do not strain your central abdominals, avoid constipation and heavy coughing.

• Work your deep core abdominals by “drawing in” transverse abdominus exercises.

• Strengthen your core from inside to outer layers.