Pregnancy and childbirth bring about a range of physical changes in a woman’s body. One area that can be significantly affected is the pelvic floor – a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Understanding what happens to your pelvic floor post-pregnancy is essential for recovery and maintaining overall health. In this article, we will explore what’s considered normal in pelvic floor recovery after childbirth and what may signal the need for professional intervention.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your pelvic floor is subjected to increased pressure as the growing uterus puts more weight on the pelvic organs. These muscles and ligaments stretch and may weaken as they try to support the added weight. Additionally, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause the pelvic tissues to soften and become more pliable to allow for childbirth.
The process of delivery itself can also impact the pelvic floor. Vaginal delivery, especially with the use of forceps or a prolonged pushing phase, can stretch, tear, or weaken the pelvic floor muscles. A caesarean section, while avoiding direct trauma to the pelvic floor, can still have an impact due to the overall changes in your body.
What’s Normal After Childbirth?
While your pelvic floor may experience a period of stress during pregnancy and childbirth, most women will gradually return to normal function. However, it’s important to understand that recovery can take time and varies from person to person. Here’s what can be considered normal:
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Mild Discomfort or Sensitivity
After childbirth, it’s common to experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the pelvic area, especially if you had a vaginal delivery. This may include soreness, bruising, or even minor swelling. These symptoms should gradually subside within the first few weeks. -
Occasional Urinary Incontinence
It’s not unusual for women to experience some form of urinary incontinence, particularly during the first few weeks to months post-pregnancy. This can happen when laughing, sneezing, or coughing – a result of the pelvic floor muscles being stretched or weakened during labour. The good news is that with time and pelvic floor exercises (also known as Kegel exercises), incontinence often improves. -
Vaginal Discharge (Lochia)
After childbirth, most women will experience vaginal bleeding and discharge, known as lochia. This is a normal process as the body sheds the lining of the uterus, which may last for up to six weeks. The amount and colour of the discharge will change over time, but if the bleeding becomes heavy or has a foul smell, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. -
Gradual Improvement of Pelvic Floor Strength
For many women, the pelvic floor muscles gradually regain strength and function as the body recovers. Over the following months, many women notice less pelvic pressure, better bladder control, and an overall return to normal function. However, pelvic floor exercises can accelerate this recovery.
What’s Not Normal?
While some post-pregnancy symptoms are common, there are signs that indicate a more serious issue with the pelvic floor. These symptoms require attention and consultation with a healthcare professional, particularly a pelvic health physiotherapist. Here are some signs to watch out for:
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Persistent or Severe Incontinence
While mild urinary incontinence can be normal in the early postpartum period, severe or persistent incontinence, particularly if it worsens over time, is not. This could be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction or other underlying conditions like prolapse, which may require intervention. -
Pelvic Pain or Discomfort
Ongoing pelvic pain, especially after vaginal delivery, can indicate pelvic floor injury or other issues such as pelvic organ prolapse or a tear that has not fully healed. If you experience sharp, consistent pain in the pelvic area, it’s essential to seek professional help. -
A Feeling of Heaviness or Bulging
A sensation of heaviness or a feeling of something “falling out” in the vaginal area may suggest pelvic organ prolapse. This occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder or uterus, slip down into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Prolapse can happen after childbirth and requires medical attention to manage or treat it effectively. -
Difficulty with Bowel Movements
If you experience constipation, painful bowel movements, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying after childbirth, it could indicate pelvic floor dysfunction. This may be caused by a weakness or injury to the pelvic muscles, which can be addressed through specific physiotherapy treatments. -
Painful Intercourse
Pain during sex is not uncommon after childbirth, but if it continues long-term, it may be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction or scarring from perineal tearing during delivery. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help you address this issue through targeted exercises and advice.
How Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for a variety of post-pregnancy pelvic health concerns. A qualified physiotherapist will assess the condition of your pelvic floor muscles and design a personalised rehabilitation program to address your symptoms. This may include exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder and bowel control, and promote overall pelvic health.
Some key pelvic floor exercises include:
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Kegel Exercises: These exercises target the pelvic floor muscles to improve their strength and endurance. They can be done at home and are especially beneficial for women recovering from childbirth.
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Biofeedback: This technique uses sensors to help you identify and control pelvic floor muscle contractions.
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Manual Therapy: A pelvic health physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques to release tight or restricted muscles in the pelvic region, promoting better function.
If you’re seeking professional assistance, consider checking Redo Health’s website or visiting them. They offer comprehensive physiotherapy services tailored to women’s health, including pelvic floor rehabilitation. Their team of experts can provide personalised assessments and treatment plans to support your recovery journey.
Conclusion
Understanding what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to pelvic floor health after pregnancy is crucial for your overall well-being. While some discomfort or mild incontinence is to be expected, it’s important to recognise when symptoms persist or worsen, as these may signal the need for professional intervention. Seeking support from a women’s health physiotherapist can help you recover more effectively, strengthen your pelvic floor, and regain your confidence post-pregnancy.
If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional. With the right support, your pelvic floor can recover, helping you to return to your normal activities and embrace the post-pregnancy phase with greater ease and comfort.
