stretch mark cream and abdominal muscle weakness?

Hi

I saw the physio last week and found out i have a DRAM (Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscle), which is when there is a separation of the long muscles of the abdomen. The muscles on each side are supposed to join in the middle, but in my case, there is a 4 finger gap between them.

So, i have a support band, and exercises to do -all good.

My SIL said that a mate of hers had a similar thing, and she thinks it is due to using stretch mark cream, that somehow in relaxing the skin it also affects the muscles underneath.

Do you reckon this is right, or is she dreaming?

thanks,

i think she is dreaming! :)
I don't even think stretch mark cream works that well, i think genetics and luck play a big role in stretch marks.;)

If it were true there would be a lot more pregnant ladies with DRAM. I had mild separation with my second daughter and i didn't use any cream at all.

If a cream penetrated the skin that well and relaxed the muscle to the the point of separating i think it would be worth a fortune. Imagine the applications of a cream like that! Massage therapists and physios around the world would be jumping for joy. ;)

She's definitely dreaming Kate! I want some of whatever she's having LOL!

The separation of the muscles down the middle of the abdominal region is fairly common I think. Is the physio concerned that its a big gap for your stage of pregnancy? I know after DS was born I had some separation of the muscles but can't remember how big the gap was - all I recall is them telling me it was perfectly normal.

What you really need to be aware of after bubs is born is NOT to overdo any abdominal work (i.e. madly doing sit-ups or crunches) it will only excaserbate the separation and result in the muscles never fully re-joining if that makes sense.

I definitely don't think its relates to using stretch mark cream. It is more likely to be related to what core strength you have generally. And the fact that its a pretty common thing to happen during pregnancy.

HTH

Thanks, thats what i thought, but its good to get reassurance.

I'm seeing the physio again in 3 weeks, and she said to make sure i also let them know after bub is born so i can link in with the physios again.