By Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences that affect a woman’s body in many ways. One of the most impacted areas is the pelvic floor, a group of muscles and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. For many women, pregnancy and childbirth can lead to pelvic floor problems, including a higher risk of prolapse. Understanding these changes and taking steps to protect your pelvic health can help you feel stronger and healthier during and after pregnancy. Here’s a guide from a pelvic floor specialist and female surgeon in Melbourne for women who want to learn more about how they can protect their pelvic health through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
The Pelvic Floor and Its Role in Pregnancy
The pelvic floor is a supportive network of muscles and connective tissues that form the base of your pelvis. It supports vital organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and helps control functions like urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity. During pregnancy, the weight of the growing baby places extra pressure on the pelvic floor, causing it to stretch and adapt.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy also play a role in softening the pelvic floor muscles. The hormone relaxin is released, loosening ligaments and preparing the body for delivery. While these changes are normal and essential, they also make the pelvic floor more vulnerable to weakness and strain, potentially leading to pelvic floor problems over time.
How Childbirth Affects the Pelvic Floor
While pregnancy itself can put stress on the pelvic floor, childbirth—particularly vaginal delivery—can have a more profound impact. During vaginal birth, the pelvic floor muscles stretch significantly to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. This stretching can cause temporary or even long-term weakening of the muscles, particularly if the delivery involves interventions such as forceps or vacuum, which place additional strain on the pelvic floor.
Factors that increase the risk of pelvic floor problems after childbirth include:
- Prolonged labour
- Large baby size
- Multiple births (twins, triplets)
- Use of delivery instruments (forceps, vacuum)
- Prior pelvic floor issues
While the pelvic floor can often recover over time, some women may experience ongoing issues, including pelvic organ prolapse, where one or more pelvic organs drop lower in the pelvis due to weakened support.
Common Pelvic Floor Problems After Childbirth
Some of the most common pelvic floor problems women may experience after childbirth include:
- Urinary incontinence: Difficulty controlling urination, leading to leaks, especially during activities like coughing, laughing, or exercise.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: The descent of pelvic organs into the vaginal canal, causing pressure, bulging, or a “falling out” sensation.
- Pain during intercourse: Pelvic floor strain can lead to pelvic floor pain as well as discomfort or pain during sex, affecting intimacy and quality of life.
- Faecal incontinence: Loss of control over bowel movements, which can be distressing and challenging to manage.
These conditions can vary in severity and may improve naturally, but seeking support from a pelvic floor specialist can aid recovery and provide targeted treatments to address any issues.
Steps to Mitigate Prolapse Risk
There are proactive steps you can take to protect your pelvic floor health during and after pregnancy. Here’s how to mitigate the risk of prolapse and other pelvic floor issues:
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
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- Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy can improve muscle tone and endurance. Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which helps to build strength and resilience. A pelvic floor specialist can guide you on the correct way to perform these exercises, ensuring you’re working the right muscles.
Adopt Good Posture and Lifting Techniques
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- Avoid straining your pelvic floor by practicing proper posture and lifting techniques. When picking up heavy objects (including children), bend at the knees and use your leg muscles rather than your back or core. This reduces pressure on the pelvic floor.
Stay Active with Low-Impact Exercise
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- Low-impact exercises and activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help maintain strength and flexibility without putting excessive strain on the pelvic floor. Avoid high-impact exercises, especially late in pregnancy, as they can increase pelvic floor pressure.
Manage Constipation
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- Straining during bowel movements weakens the pelvic floor over time. Maintain a fibre-rich diet, stay hydrated, and consider gentle laxatives if necessary (under your doctor’s guidance) to prevent constipation and protect the pelvic floor.
Consider a Postnatal Check-Up with a Pelvic Floor Specialist
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- After childbirth, a postnatal pelvic floor assessment can identify any weaknesses or prolapse symptoms early on. A female surgeon and pelvic floor specialist in Melbourne can evaluate your pelvic health and recommend exercises, therapies, or treatments to support recovery.
Avoid Heavy Lifting in the Early Postpartum Period
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- Give your pelvic floor time to heal by avoiding heavy lifting for the first few months after delivery. Allowing time for gradual recovery can help the muscles regain strength and elasticity.
When to Seek Help for Pelvic Floor Problems
If you experience ongoing pelvic floor problems, like urinary leakage, pressure, or pain after childbirth, don’t hesitate to consult a pelvic floor specialist. Pelvic floor physical therapy, muscle-strengthening exercises, pessaries, and other non-surgical treatments like microenergy acoustic pulses can often resolve or improve symptoms. For some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary, but a specialist can help you explore all available options.
Consulting with a knowledgeable female surgeon and pelvic floor specialist in Melbourne can provide valuable guidance and personalised care, helping you achieve optimal recovery and long-term well-being. Remember, proactive care and early intervention can make a significant difference in your pelvic health journey and help prevent pelvic floor problems from getting worse.