A visible bulge or doming along the midline of the abdomen when you sit up, cough, or strain
A gap or separation you can feel between the left and right sides of your abdominal muscles
A soft, weak, or unstable feeling in the core
Difficulty engaging the abdominal muscles normally
Lower back pain or pelvic discomfort
Poor posture or trouble maintaining core support
A coning or ridge down the center of the stomach during movement
A self-check showing more than about 2 finger widths of separation at the midline
A separation that feels deep or soft rather than firm
Confirmation from a doctor, physical therapist, or other qualified clinician