The list of physical changes experienced during pregnancy and childbirth is long. It can include a condition referred to in Latin, diastasis rectus abdominis. While it may sound scary, it is pretty common, but can be treated with physical therapy.

DRA is the separation of the abdominal muscles. It typically happens in during and following pregnancy due to the stretching of the abdominal wall. It is often the culprit behind the dreaded "mummy tummy."

In this episode, physical therapist Carrie Pagliano discusses DRA, common misconceptions, and how women can work with physical therapists to correct it.

Learn more about diastasis rectus abdominis.

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Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, is an adjunct professor at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and instructor of clinical rehabilitation medicine at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She also is founder of the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital PM&R Pelvic Floor Program and the MGUH Women's Health Physical Therapy Residency. She speaks nationally on pelvic pain, pain science, and integrative models of practice in orthopedic and pelvic physical therapy.