The relationship between the frequency and severity of postpartum diastasis recti abdominis with the density of striae gravidarum

Aims: This study aims to evaluate how the presence and severity of striae gravidarum (SG) affect the frequency and severity of postpartum diastasis recti abdominis (none/mild/severe). Methods: This study included 107 patients who underwent caesarean section for various indications and were examined for diastasis recti during postpartum outpatient clinic visits. SG was scored according to the Davey scoring system and interrectal distances were measured by ultrasonography during postpartum outpatient clinic visits and evaluated for diastasis recti at postpartum weeks 3-6. Results: Patients who scored 0 points according to the Davey score, indicating the absence of striae, were excluded from the study. Patients in the mild and severe groups were then compared in terms of DRG 1 and DRG 2. It was observed that the groups were homogeneously distributed. A significant difference (p<0.001) was found in terms of the supra-umblic interrectal distance (DRG 1) between the mild striae group (Davey score 1–2) and the severe striae group (score ≥3). When evaluated in terms of subumbilical interrectal distance (DRG 2), a significant difference was observed between the groups (p=0.003). The findings indicate that increasing striae density correlates with greater interrectal distance, placing patients at higher risk of diastasis recti. Conclusion: The SG score can be utilized as a predictive tool to determine the likelihood of diastasis recti occurring during pregnancy. Furthermore, this study could contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of both SG and diastasis recti by examining collagen and fascia tissue samples in larger patient populations.