Background: Multiple physiological changes happen in the body during pregnancy resulting in musculoskeletal problems. Separation of the abdominal muscles which is called diastasis of rectus abdominis (DRA) is one of the common occurrences during pregnancy and after child birth. Growing uterus increases the abdominal pressure which may lead to the rectus abdominis muscles separation along linea alba. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the delivery mode either normal delivery or cesarean section on abdominal rectus diastasis. Materials and methods: 284 pregnant women were enrolled in this study, ranged in age from 25 – 35 years with body mass index (BMI) between 25 – 29.9 kg/m2 and they were assigned randomly into two groups of equal number (A and B). Group (A) consisted of 142 pregnant women who delivered after normal delivery while group (B) consisted of 142 pregnant women who delivered after cesarean. Both groups were assessed regarding the strength of abdominal rectus muscles in terms of diastasis. The participated women in this study were assessed by Waist circumferences, Digital caliper, and Oswestry disability index (ODI). They were evaluated after 6 weeks postnatal and again after another 6 weeks of the 1st assessment i.e. 12 weeks from the delivery. Results: The obtained results revealed significant differences of all measured variables in the two groups. Statistically significant difference was also found of all measured variables when compared between the two groups .There Is Significant effect on Rectus Abdominis Muscle. In Cesarean Group more than normal delivery group. Conclusion: The impact of the cesarean section was more significant than normal delivery on abdominal rectus diastasis.
