The Coning Debate And What The Research Really Says

Coning in pregnancy can feel like a flashing red warning light. You see that ridge down the midline during a sit-up, a lift, or even just getting off the couch and suddenly the internet tells you you’re “making your abs split” and setting yourself up for diastasis recti forever. We slow that panic down and replace it with context, research, and a much more workable way to think about your core. We start with how we got here: early social media advice, conservative medical messaging, and the rise of the athlete mom who kept training while everyone scrambled for rules. Then we dig into what diastasis recti actually is, how it’s typically measured, and why studies linking DRA to low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, and incontinence are inconsistent when you look at the big picture. We also talk about the uncomfortable truth that DRA is often treated as cosmetic in medical systems, even though appearance concerns are real and valid for many postpartum people. From there, we tackle the centerpiece: coning is not proof you caused damage, it’s not a diagnosis, and evidence does not show that avoiding coning in pregnancy prevents postpartum diastasis recti. We explain coning as a possible sign of pressure mismatch and movement strategy, why some coning can be normal in late pregnancy due to linea alba lengthening, and why obsessing over eliminating it can lead to under-training your core. Our takeaway is simple and empowering: prioritize smart coaching, pressure management, and progressive overload so your rehab matches the real demands of motherhood. If you want a calmer, evidence-based approach to postpartum core training, diastasis recti, and pregnancy exercise, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a fellow active mom, and leave a review so more people can find this conversation.___________________________________________________________________________Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes. Interested in our programs? Check us out here!