Abstract

DIASTASIS RECTI ABDOMINIS AMONG POSTNATAL WOMEN - PREVALENCE AND REPORT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

M. Narmadha, Dr. K. Madhumathi* and Dr. P. Senthil Selvam

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis is defined as impairment with separation of rectus abdominis muscle through the line of Linea alba. Diastasis recti is common during pregnancy and in postnatal period with risks of pelvic floor muscle weakness leading to urinary incontinence. Objectives: To examine the correlation between diastasis recti abdominis among postnatal women with incidence of urinary incontinence. Method: 40 postnatal women with age ranging between 23 and 34 years were included. The values were collected through finger palpation, which is taken 4.5 cm above and below umbilicus and incontinence impact questionnaire was used to assess the urinary incontinence. Result: The mean value, standard deviation, t value and p value of the outcome measures including finger palpation and incontinence impact questionnaire showed a significant value. Conclusion: The study concluded that women with diastasis recti had the history of urinary incontinence.

Keywords: Diastasis recti abdominis, Urinary incontinence, Finger palpation, Incontinence impact questionnaire, postnatal women.