A medical illustration depicting the cross-sectional view of the abdomen with diastasis recti. Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles separate (usually during or after pregnancy) causing the belly to bulge. In this illustration there is scarring from previous liposuction procedures, weakened anterior fascia, separation of the rectus muscles, and a herniation of the bowel up through the midline of the abdominal wall.