The separation of recti muscles is caused by the hormones elastin and relaxin. The course of action for each situation depends on the width of the separation. If you are experiencing tenderness, see your health care provider.

If you find a separation during pregnancy, discontinue sit-ups or "crunches". This does not mean you should ignore your abdominal muscles, however. To keep those muscles toned, try isometric contractions of the muscle -- that means contracting the muscle without going through a range of motion. Simply put, pull the baby in toward the spine while exhaling. Hold for 5-8 seconds while breathing, then relax.

After delivery, ask your health care provider to check the width of the separation. A separation three or more fingers wide should be addressed by a physical therapist who can teach exercises to reconnect the recti. A separation two fingers wide should avoid crunches and continue isometric "pull-in" contractions. A one-finger wide separation can be strengthened with sit-ups.

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