Abdomen

Diastasis Recti

A vertical bulge down the midline of the abdomen can be seen in many newborns when intra-abdominal pressure increases. In this photo, a shadow lateral to the bulge can be seen going up the left side of the abdomen, starting near the umbilical clamp. Diastasis recti is caused by a relative weakness of the fascia between the two rectus abdominus muscles. It is not a herniation and is not pathologic. With time, this will disappear.


photo by Janelle Aby, MD

Diastasis Recti

Another newborn has more pronounced diastasis recti. Spontaneous resolution is still expected.


photo by Janelle Aby, MD