Diastasis recti scan · abdominal wall ultrasound · Harley Street, Central London & St Albans · 7 days a week
A diastasis recti ultrasound scan, also called an abdominal wall ultrasound, measures the gap between your two rectus abdominis muscles and checks the linea alba between them. It is used for abdominal separation after pregnancy, surgery or weight change, for a bulge or “pooch”, and to check for an associated hernia.
At London Private Ultrasound a diastasis recti ultrasound costs £390, with no GP referral needed. The price includes a consultation, the targeted scan with measurements and a detailed written report, usually within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available.
Get urgent help from NHS 111 or A&E. For organs such as the liver and kidneys, see our abdominal ultrasound scan.
| Price | £390 all-inclusive: consultation, scan with measurements and written report |
|---|---|
| Also called | Abdominal wall ultrasound · rectus diastasis scan · divarication of the recti · abdominal separation scan |
| What it checks | Gap between the rectus muscles · linea alba and fascia · muscle thickness · hernia |
| Preparation | None: no fasting and no full bladder · wear comfortable clothing |
| Results | Explained on the day · written report usually within 24 hours |
Choose your scan, then a clinic and a time. Same-day and short-notice slots are often available, 7 days a week.
Diastasis recti, also called abdominal separation or divarication of the recti, is a widening of the gap between the two bands of rectus abdominis muscle that run down the front of your stomach. It is common during and after pregnancy, but it can also affect men and people after weight change or abdominal surgery.
The scan is tailored to your symptoms and history, with real-time assessment at rest and, where appropriate, during gentle muscle activation.
The inter-rectus distance is measured at levels above and below the navel, so the position and extent of the separation are documented.
The central band of connective tissue between the muscles is assessed for width, thinning and how well it holds under tension.
Your sonographer may ask you to lift your head or tense your stomach gently, to see how the gap and the linea alba respond.
A hernia through the linea alba, such as an umbilical or epigastric hernia, can sit alongside diastasis recti and is checked for.
Thinning or focal weakness of the rectus muscles is noted, which can help your physiotherapist plan rehabilitation.
Scar tissue or changes after a caesarean or other abdominal surgery are reviewed where they affect the abdominal wall.
A bulge in the middle of the stomach can be either, or both. Ultrasound shows the difference, which matters because the next steps are not the same.
The muscles have moved apart and the linea alba is stretched, but tissue is not pushing through a defect. The bulge often flattens when you relax.
Fat or bowel pushes through a gap in the abdominal wall, often as a firm lump. If a hernia is your main concern, a hernia ultrasound scan may be recommended.
The two can occur together. Your report describes each separately, because a hernia may need a surgical opinion even when the muscle gap alone does not.
A physical check can show that a gap exists. Ultrasound shows how wide it is and what lies in it.
Most people book because of a bulge or weakness that has not settled, or because a physiotherapist or surgeon wants a measurement.
Bulging, a soft gap or reduced core stability that persists beyond the first months of postpartum recovery.
Suspected muscle separation or weakness after a caesarean, abdominal surgery or a hernia repair.
Rapid weight loss or gain, or repeated straining, that has left the stomach muscles lax or the midline bulging.
An objective baseline before physiotherapy, core rehabilitation or a surgical opinion.
Lower back discomfort or pelvic instability where reduced abdominal support may be a factor.
A focal bulge or swelling that could be a hernia rather than, or as well as, muscle separation.
Do not wait for a routine scan if a lump becomes painful, or comes with vomiting, a bloated tummy, constipation or a high temperature. This can be a trapped hernia. Get urgent help from NHS 111 or go to A&E, and call 999 if you feel very unwell or confused.
Ultrasound gives an accurate picture of the abdominal wall, but it is one part of the assessment.
The scan is a diagnostic test. Your report gives the measurements and says what the findings mean, so you can decide on the next step with your GP, physiotherapist or surgeon.
Many gaps improve with a guided exercise programme, and many narrow naturally in the months after pregnancy. Your report can be shared with a physiotherapist to plan around.
A repeat scan after a few months of rehabilitation can show whether the gap or the tension of the linea alba has changed.
Surgery is usually considered only for a significant functional problem or an associated hernia. The NHS does not routinely fund repair in some areas, so a private surgeon may be the route; your scan report supports their assessment.
There is nothing to do beforehand. You do not need to fast or arrive with a full bladder, so eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to lift or lower at the waist.
Bring any physiotherapy or GP letters, earlier scans and surgical notes. After pregnancy, note your delivery date and whether you had a caesarean.
Tell your sonographer about your symptoms, pregnancies, surgery and anything you have tried, so the scan is focused on the right area.
You lie on your back and warm gel is applied. The gap is measured with you relaxed, and you may be asked to lift your head or tense your stomach gently. It should not hurt.
Your sonographer shows you the measurements and talks you through what they mean before you leave.
A detailed report with measurements and next-step guidance, ready to share with your GP, physiotherapist or surgeon.
Where a hernia or another concern is found, the report says what to do next, with referral guidance when clinically indicated.
Book a diastasis recti ultrasound 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with no GP referral and no NHS waiting list.
Your scan is performed by an experienced ultrasound professional at a CQC-registered clinic, with hospital-grade equipment and doctor-led governance.
Your report records the gap and the findings clearly, so your physiotherapist or surgeon can use it as a baseline.
£390 covers the consultation, the scan, the verbal explanation and the written report, at Harley Street or St Albans.
I had a very positive experience at London Private Ultrasound. The whole process was smooth and professional, and I felt very comfortable throughout the appointment. The sonographer was kind, thorough and took the time to explain everything clearly during the scan. I really appreciated the level of care and attention, and the examination helped identify the cause of the symptoms I had been experiencing. I would definitely recommend their service.
This is my third visit to the London Private Ultrasound. The earlier ones were in 2022, then 2024 I got my appointment very quickly, at an agreed and mutually convenient time. I specifically asked for Dr Reza again. As before, he was professional, kind and unhurried, There was ample time to discuss findings which was very reassuring. I received the full report the following morning I continue to recommend this excellent service to my colleagues. Many thanks for keeping up such high standards !
Looked on line at 9.30 ,had an appointment at 10.40 ,results before 12 , Could not have been easier or more professional
Very easy to book at short notice. Friendly staff and professional Sonographer. Would definitely book again.
Quick and easy to make an appointment, I arrived early and was seen early due to availability. Very nice
Very happy with ultrasound very throrough examination. Will use again
Two clinics, seven days a week, 9am to 7pm, with same-day and next-day appointments frequently available. Both offer the full diastasis recti ultrasound at £390, with findings explained on the day and a written report usually within 24 hours.
27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Two minutes from Bond Street (Elizabeth line, Central, Jubilee), five from Oxford Circus, eight from Marylebone and Baker Street. Convenient for patients travelling in from Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Soho, the City and Paddington.
54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ
A short walk from St Albans City station, with parking nearby. Convenient for patients across Hertfordshire, North London, Watford, Hatfield, Harpenden and Welwyn Garden City.
Our clinic is CQC registered, and our doctors, radiologists, sonographers and surgeons work under the registers and professional standards set by these bodies.
The Royal College of Radiologists
Professional standards, education and guidance for clinical radiology and clinical oncology.
General Medical Council
Official register and professional standards for doctors and regulated medical associates.
Care Quality Commission
Independent regulator of health and adult social-care services in England.
Health and Care Professions Council
Official register for regulated health and care professionals, including radiographers.
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Professional standards, education and support for surgical practice and patient care.
Yes. Ultrasound shows the two rectus abdominis muscles and the linea alba between them, so the gap can be measured directly. It also shows how the gap behaves when you gently tense your stomach muscles, which a physical examination alone cannot measure accurately.
Your sonographer measures the inter-rectus distance, which is the gap between the inner edges of the two muscles, usually at several levels above and below the navel. They also assess the linea alba, muscle thickness and whether any hernia is present.
There is no single agreed cut-off, because normal values depend on the level measured, age, sex and pregnancy history. Many clinicians treat a gap wider than about 2 cm as significant, but the tension of the linea alba and your symptoms matter as much as the number.
A private diastasis recti ultrasound scan costs £390 at London Private Ultrasound. The price is all-inclusive: a short consultation, the targeted abdominal wall scan with measurements, a verbal explanation on the day and a detailed written report.
No. This scan looks at the abdominal wall, meaning the rectus muscles, the linea alba and any hernia. An abdominal ultrasound scan looks at organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen. Tell us what worries you when you book so we choose the right one.
Diastasis recti is a widened gap between the muscles with the linea alba still intact, while a hernia is a defect through which tissue pushes out. Ultrasound shows which one you have, or both. If a hernia is the main concern, a hernia ultrasound scan may be recommended.
No. You can self-refer and book directly online, by phone on 020 7101 3377 or on WhatsApp. If you have a GP or physiotherapist letter, an earlier scan or surgical notes, bring them so your sonographer can compare.
You do not need to fast or have a full bladder. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to lift or lower at the waist, and bring any relevant reports. If you are scanned after pregnancy, tell your sonographer when you gave birth and whether you had a caesarean.
You lie on your back and warm gel is applied to your stomach. Your sonographer measures the gap with you relaxed and may then ask you to lift your head or tense your stomach gently, so the linea alba is seen under load. It should not hurt.
It is safe, because ultrasound uses sound waves and no radiation. Many gaps narrow naturally over the first months after birth, so a scan is most useful if bulging or weakness persists, before you start a rehabilitation programme, or when you are considering a surgical opinion.
Yes. Men can develop abdominal separation too, usually linked to weight change, repeated straining or abdominal surgery. The scan measures the gap in the same way as for women, checks the linea alba and looks for a hernia in the midline.
The NHS usually manages it with physiotherapy and exercise advice, because many gaps improve over time. Surgical repair is not routinely funded in some areas and is generally limited to cases with a significant functional problem or a hernia, so rules vary. Ask your GP about your local policy.
Private repair is often quoted at about £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the surgeon, the type of operation and the clinic. Our scan does not include surgery. Its measurements and written report can be shared with a surgeon to support their assessment.
Yes. A baseline scan gives your physiotherapist an objective measurement to plan around, and a repeat scan can show whether the gap or the tension of the linea alba has changed. We do not replace a physiotherapy assessment, and your report can be shared with your therapist.
Your sonographer explains the findings and shows you the measurements before you leave. Your detailed written report, with next-step guidance, is usually ready within 24 hours, so you can share it with your GP, physiotherapist or surgeon.
Often, yes. Both clinics, 27 Welbeck Street in Central London and Victoria Street in St Albans, are open 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with same-day and short-notice appointments subject to availability. Call 020 7101 3377 to book.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information and does not replace individual medical advice. A diastasis recti ultrasound measures the abdominal wall and should be read alongside your symptoms and a clinical examination. Get urgent help from NHS 111 or go to A&E if a lump becomes painful, or comes with vomiting, a bloated tummy or a high temperature, and call 999 if you feel very unwell.
Source: NHS, Hernia.
