4 ways to manage DRAM in the early postpartum period

Here are just a couple of tips to help with the healing process of DRAM in the early postnatal period. Remember some degree of DRAM immediately postnatal is normal. By adopting some of these tips it can help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your recovery process.

1. Manage Constipation- repetitive pushing and straining increases intra-abdominal pressure places more load on your abdominal muscles. This can delay the healing process of DRAM.

2. Wear an abdominal support garment such as Tubigrip- research has shown that wearing Tubigrip in the early postpartum period (the first 6-8 weeks post birth) can help to significantly reduce DRAM.

3. Minimize heavy lifting in the immediate postpartum period- again this is to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the abdominal muscles allowing time for the muscle to heal.

4. Start gentle abdominal strengthening exercises (e.g. crunches) when comfortable- exercises such as crunches can help at reducing DRAM in the early postpartum period and restoring abdominal muscle strength.

If you think you are having issues with abdominal muscle separation during pregnancy or postnatal please book in to see a women’s health physio