Romanian Mothers’ Experiences Living With Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is characterized by deviation of the abdominal rectus muscle due to widening of the linea alba and laxity of the abdominal wall musculature and is a common condition affecting mothers both pre- and postnatally. Although DRA is gradually discovered as...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of Oradea Publishing House
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Romanian Journal of Physical Therapy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cloud.uoradea.ro/index.php/s/yFqRCW5MqQdoWFT |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is characterized by deviation of the
abdominal rectus muscle due to widening of the linea alba and laxity of the abdominal
wall musculature and is a common condition affecting mothers both pre- and postnatally.
Although DRA is gradually discovered as a common clinical problem, its management and
prevention are still little known. Objectives: This study aims to assess current knowledge
on DRA, its potential treatments and the awareness of this condition amongst women with
DRA in Romania. The aim of this study was also to explore romanian mothers’ experiences
living with DRA, how and when they found out they have DRA and who put the diagnosis,
they have been or are in a recovery program and how they percept their condition affects
quality of life. Subjects and methods: A narrative review was performed on the current
literature by searching PubMed. The present study was undertaken from April to August
2024. Patients with DRA in Romania were questioned with an online survey, designed
specifically for this study. In total 725 romanian women with diastasis recti abdominis
completed the survey. Results: The literature search revealed contradictory results
regarding the symptoms, clinical impact, and treatment of DRA. The majority of
respondents, 52,1%, heard/learned about DRA only after 6 months after birth. The major
source of information about DRA (68,5%) was the internet (Facebook, Youtube, search
engines, mom groups) and friends; majority of women, 61,4%, self-diagnosed, tested
themselves with the finger test; only 36,7% followed or are following a recovery program
and from them only a half managed to close the DRA; 67,3% consider that their quality of
life is affected moderate to very much by DRA. 89,5% believe that the gynecologist or the
doctor who monitors the pregnancy should inform the expectant mother about DRA.
Conclusions: More research is needed to establish appropriate educational interventions, which effectively increase knowledge about DRA among Romanian women. Assessment of DRA should be part of routine follow-up of postpartum women. |
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| ISSN: | 2068-1712 |