What happens to the abdominal wall during pregnancy?

October 15, 2023

The abdominal wall refers to the layer of muscles and tissues that make up the abdominal area of a person. During pregnancy, this area undergoes significant stretching as the uterus expands to accommodate the developing fetus.

This can lead to changes in the abdominal wall, such as the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, known as diastasis of the rectus abdominis. Additionally, the skin may stretch and cause stretch marks.

When this occurs, patients choose to undergo an abdominoplasty to restore the firmness and appearance of the abdominal wall by tightening the muscles, removing excess skin and fat, and repairing the diastasis caused by pregnancy.