Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency of diastasis recti and lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy and to determine the factors associated with diastasis recti.
Methodology: It was cross sectional survey, conducted from September 1, 2017 to December 30, 2017 in Qamar Hospital, Gujar Khan. In this study, 400 pregnant females >18 years of age were included through non probability convenient sampling technique. Pregnant females with severe illness or with complication were excluded from study. Clinical examination of finger palpation method was used for assessment of diastasis recti and a questionnaire was used to determine frequency of lumbo pelvic pain and factors associated with Diastasis Recti. Diastasis Recti was measured by palpation at the level of umbilicus, 4.5 cm above and below umbilicus.
Results: Mean age of females was 27.4±3.89 years. Among 400 pregnant females, 24% were having mild Diastasis Recti. Females with Diastasis Recti had higher BMI score (27.3±3.89). 79.2% with diastasis recti and 53.9% without diastasis recti were Multiparous. Large number of females with diastasis recti (86.5%) had Lumbo Pelvic pain and 52.6% without diastasis recti had Lumbo Pelvic pain during current pregnancy. Most of the pregnant females with diastasis recti i.e. 62.5% had Bilateral Sacroilliac joint pain and 43.8% without diastasis recti had Bilateral Sacroilliac joint pain.
Conclusion: The study concluded that 24% females are suffering from mild Diastasis Recti during pregnancy. Most of pregnant females are experiencing Lumbo pelvic pain. Factors like greater BMI, lifting activity, previous LSCS delivery and lumbopelvic pain are associated with Diastasis Recti.

Key words: DRA, diastasis recti abdominis. RA, rectus abdominis. IRD, inter recti distance.