Effects of different delivery modes on diastasis recti abdominis in early postpartum period

Objective To evaluate the effects of different delivery modes on diastasis recti abdominis （DRA） in 6-8 weeks postpartum period. Methods Clinical data of 1354 singleton deliveries who had regular prenatal examination and delivery were collected. According to delivery times and delivery modes, 775 primiparous women [including 546 vaginal delivery （A1 group） and 229 caesarean section （B1 group）] and 579 multipara women [including 357 second vaginal delivery （A2 group） and 222 second caesarean section （B2 group）] were followed-up. The inter-rectus distance was examined by high-frequency ultrasound at three locations on the linea alba （3 cm above the umbilicus, umbilicus, 3 cm below the umbilicus） in 6-8 weeks postpartum. The effects of two delivery modes on DRA in postpartum period were evaluated. Results DRA mainly occurred at umbilicus, followed by at the 3 cm above the umbilicus and 3 cm below the umbilicus. The incidence of DRA in the caesarean section groups was higher than that of the vaginal delivery grou