By Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. For many women, these changes can lead to a pelvic floor problem such as weakness, leakage, or discomfort during physical activity. Strengthening these muscles after birth plays an essential role in recovery, bladder control, and long-term pelvic health. A pelvic floor specialist can guide women through this process, ensuring exercises and rehabilitation techniques are safe, effective, and tailored to their individual needs. For those already experiencing symptoms, early pelvic floor disorder treatment can help restore function and prevent future complications.
How Pregnancy Affects the Pelvic Floor
Pregnancy affects the pelvic floor long before delivery. The hormone relaxin softens ligaments and connective tissue to prepare the body for birth, while increased oestrogen makes muscles more elastic. As the uterus expands, the pelvic muscles carry additional weight and pressure, which can stretch or weaken them over time. Prolonged pressure also affects circulation and nerve function in the area. These physiological changes mean every pregnancy, regardless of delivery type, can leave some degree of pelvic floor weakness that may require focused rehabilitation and support from a pelvic floor specialist.
Research highlights that up to 50% of women experience some level of pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth. Symptoms can include urinary leakage when coughing or exercising, heaviness or bulging in the pelvic region, and reduced sexual sensation. These symptoms may improve over time but can persist without proper rehabilitation, increasing the risk of long-term complications such as prolapse.
Early Recovery and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation begins with awareness. A pelvic floor specialist helps women identify the correct muscles to contract, as many unknowingly tense their abdominal or gluteal muscles instead. In the early weeks after delivery, gentle activation exercises can be performed while lying down, focusing on breathing and short, controlled contractions.
Women are advised to avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping until their pelvic muscles have regained sufficient strength. Returning to exercise too soon can worsen a pelvic floor problem or delay recovery. Instead, gradual strengthening through guided exercise programs, such as pelvic floor physiotherapy or postnatal Pilates, helps restore endurance and support.
Hydration, balanced nutrition, and avoiding constipation are also important during recovery. Straining during bowel movements increases pressure on the pelvic floor, making it vital to maintain a fibre-rich diet and proper hydration. For mothers experiencing ongoing symptoms despite regular exercise, pelvic floor disorder treatment may include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, or other specialist-led interventions.
Common Myths About Pelvic Floor Exercises
A common misconception is that pelvic floor exercises, or Kegels, are simple and suitable for everyone. In reality, technique and timing are crucial. Performing contractions incorrectly or too often can lead to tension and pain rather than strength. Another myth is that women who have had a caesarean section do not need to strengthen their pelvic floor, yet pregnancy itself can still weaken these muscles. A pelvic floor specialist can assess muscle tone and create an individualised plan to avoid these pitfalls and ensure recovery is both safe and effective. They can also include supportive therapies like microenergy acoustic pulses to support your exercises.
Incorporating Pelvic Floor Exercises Into Daily Life
Building pelvic floor exercises into everyday routines helps women stay consistent. Simple reminders, such as activating the muscles while brushing teeth, feeding the baby, or waiting at a red light, can make the habit easier to maintain. Breathing awareness and posture also play an important role. Standing tall, engaging the core, and avoiding unnecessary straining throughout the day support overall pelvic health. Over time, these small daily habits help reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence of a pelvic floor problem, forming part of an ongoing pelvic floor disorder treatment plan.
The Connection Between the Pelvic Floor and Core Stability
The pelvic floor does not work in isolation. It functions in coordination with the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, and lower back to form the body’s core. When one element is weak or imbalanced, others must compensate. This can cause back pain, instability, or poor posture. Strengthening the pelvic floor improves core strength, balance, and even breathing efficiency. A pelvic floor specialist often integrates core rehabilitation exercises to restore harmony between these muscle groups and create a stable foundation for future physical activity.
When is the Right Time to See a Specialist About Pelvic Floor Problems?
Mild symptoms are common in the weeks after childbirth, but persistent leakage, pelvic heaviness, or discomfort should not be ignored. Early consultation prevents minor issues from progressing into more complex conditions. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends postpartum pelvic assessments for all women, ideally within six to twelve weeks after birth.
If you notice difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel, pain during intimacy, or a dragging sensation in the pelvic area, these may indicate an underlying pelvic floor problem that requires professional attention.
Speak to a Pelvic Floor Specialist in Melbourne
Recovery does not end in the months after birth; it continues throughout life. Maintaining a strong and healthy pelvic floor helps prevent issues such as prolapse and incontinence as women age. Whether symptoms appear early or years later, consulting a pelvic floor specialist for any pelvic floor problem provides clarity, reassurance, and effective treatment options. Ongoing pelvic floor disorder treatment supports both recovery and prevention, helping women stay active and comfortable. By understanding and caring for the pelvic floor, every woman can take control of her health and enjoy lasting strength and stability.