Ultrasound evaluation and related risk factor analysis of the diastasis recti abdominis in different parts during the postpartum period

NAN Na; WANG Li; WANG Lu; WANG Zhen; ZHANG Li

doi:10.13276/j.issn.2097-1656.2024.08.016

Abstract：Objective To explore the high-risk sites and types of diastasis recti abdominis(DRA)postpartum,and analyze related risk factors by measuring the inter-rectus distance(IRD)at different sites in women at 6 weeks postpartum using ultrasound.Methods A total of 1 247 postpartum women who underwent ultrasound examination of the rectus abdominis at 6 weeks postpartum were selected,and general clinical data of postpartum women and newborns were collected.IRD was measured at three sites:3 cm above the umbilicus,umbilicus,and 3 cm below the umbilicus to diagnose the presence of DRA.DRA was grouped according to the site and number.Stepwise regression,and univariate and multivariate logistic analysis methods were used to analyze the influencing factors of IRD and DRA.Results At 6 weeks postpartum,IRD at 3 cm above the umbilicus,umbilicus,and 3 cm below the umbilicus were(24.63±9.41),(26.72±9.38),and(9.40±8.22)mm,respectively.DRA occurred in 1 173(94.06％)postpartum women,156(12.51％)with single site,318(25.50％)with two sites at the same time,and 699(56.05％)with whole abdomen.Cesarean section,number of pregnancies,neonatal body mass index(BMI),prenatal BMI,and gestational week or maternal age affected IRD at three sites(P＜0.05).Cesarean section and prenatal BMI were the risk factors for two-site DRA(OR=16.140,OR=1.152,P＜0.01).Cesarean section,neonatal BMI,and prenatal BMI were the risk factors for whole abdominal DRA(OR=19.987).Conclusion IRD measured by ultrasound at 6 weeks postpartum is associated with multiple factors,among which cesarean section is a high-risk factor for DRA.When combined with more influencing factors,the risk of developing whole abdominal DRA increases.