Relationship Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Women in the First Year Postdelivery.

Objective Postpartum diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) influences women's appearance and health. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can affect the structure of the rectus abdominis muscles. However, the relationship between GDM and postpartum DRA is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between GDM and postpartum DRA. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 241 women in the first year postdelivery. Women with GDM were matched with those without GDM using propensity score matching. They underwent an oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy and a random blood glucose test before delivery. At follow-up, DRA was diagnosed by palpation, and interrectus distance was measured using ultrasound to evaluate the severity of DRA. The strength of the rectus abdominis was evaluated using the manual muscle testing method. Results Among the 241 participants, 174 (72.2%) had postpartum DRA, and 46 women with GDM were matched with 46 women without GDM on the basis of propensity scores. Women with GDM had higher odds of experiencing postpartum DRA (adjusted odds ratio = 4.792; 95% CI = 1.672 to 13.736) and larger interrectus distance values at the upper part of the rectus abdominis than those without GDM. There was a weak and positive correlation between the fasting oral glucose tolerance test level and the interrectus distance values (0.267 ≤  r  ≤ 0.367). Conclusion GDM was associated with postpartum DRA in women in the first year of delivery. Women with GDM had larger interrectus distance values at the upper part of the rectus abdominis than those without GDM. The fasting oral glucose tolerance test level showed a positive and weak correlation with the severity of postpartum DRA. Impact Women with GDM have higher odds of experiencing postpartum DRA than those without GDM. The upper part of the rectus abdominis deserves increased focus during and after rehabilitation. Controlling the fasting oral glucose tolerance test level may help reduce the severity of postpartum DRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)