PREVALENCE OF DIASTASIS OF RECTUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLE IN IMMEDIATE POST-PARTUM WOMEN OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS

Roshan Adkitte*, Khyati Bhatt, Ujwal Yeole, Pravin Gawali and Gaurai Gharote

ABSTRACT

Background: The diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle is defined as the separation or spread of the muscle bundles along the linea Alba. The aim of this study was to check the prevalence of diastasis of rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) in immediate post-partum women of rural and urban areas of Pune. Effect of rural and urban lifestyle has a great impact on the presence of diastasis hence to find out the prevalence of Diastasis in urban and rural women. Method: It is a survey based prevalence study carried out in 100 women in rural and urban population across Pune. To measure diastasis, the women was in supine position with hips and knees flexed at 90 degrees, feet unsupported and arms extended over the body. In that position, she was told to perform forward trunk flexion until the inferior angle of the scapula was off the bed. Diastasis was measured with the Vernier calliper, 4.5cm above and below umbilicus. Result: Data from 100 women were analysed. There was 68% prevalence of diastasis in immediate post-partum women. Out of 68 women with diastasis, 30 were urban and 38 were rural women.Out of 68 women with diastasis, 26 women were primipara and 42 women were multipara. The mean diastasis above the umbilicus was 2.14cm (± 0.28089) and the mean diastasis below the umbilicus was 1.54cm (± 0.33636). Conclusion: There is significant prevalence of diastasis recti in immediate post-partum women. In which urban women have high prevalence of diastasis than rural women.

Keywords: Diastasis recti, immediate post-partum, rural areas, urban areas.