Pregnancy & Post-Natal Care: Understanding the Pelvic Floor
What are the Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Understanding the pelvic floor and how it functions during pregnancy and post-natally is essential for all women. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common but treatable, and learning about the pelvic floor muscles can help you prevent or address any discomfort.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and fascia that forms the base of the pelvis. These muscles stretch from the pubic bone to the coccyx (tailbone) and side to side, creating a hammock-like support structure. They work in coordination with other key muscles, such as the Transversus Abdominis (TA), Multifidus, and the Diaphragm, to stabilize the spine and control abdominal pressure, especially when lifting or exerting effort.
The pelvic floor muscles are crucial for:
Supporting the bladder, bowel, and uterus.
Maintaining bladder and bowel control.
Supporting the growing baby during pregnancy.
Assisting during childbirth.
Playing a role in sexual sensation and function.
Risk Factors for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Several factors can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Over time, increased pressure on the pelvic floor can weaken or stretch the muscles, reducing their ability to support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. In some cases, this pressure may lead to prolapse (the descent of pelvic organs) or other symptoms, such as incontinence.
Risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction include:
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the growing baby put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
Post-birth recovery: About 1 in 3 women will experience some form of urinary incontinence after childbirth.
Maternal factors: Age, tissue quality, and having a larger baby (over 4kg) can strain the pelvic floor.
Obstetric interventions: Use of forceps, a long second stage of labour, or a posterior presentation during birth can all affect the pelvic floor.
Injury: Ligament or muscle tears, nerve compression, or other injuries can contribute to dysfunction.
Athletic activity: Elite athletes, such as gymnasts, runners, and trampolinists, may experience pelvic floor strain due to repetitive pressure.
Inactivity: Not keeping the pelvic floor muscles active can weaken them over time.
Being overweight: A BMI over 25 or obesity can increase the strain on the pelvic floor.
Heavy lifting: Regularly lifting heavy objects (either at work or in the gym) can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor.
Chronic conditions: Issues like back pain, pelvic injuries, ongoing constipation, or a chronic cough (e.g., from asthma or smoking) increase the risk.
Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Gynaecological surgery: Past surgeries in the pelvic area may affect pelvic floor function.
What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as:
Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
Fecal incontinence (leaking stool)
Overactive bladder (frequent urgency to urinate)
Pelvic organ prolapse (a bulging or pressure sensation in the vagina)
Chronic pelvic pain
Painful sex
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you speak to a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. They can assess your condition and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. It’s important to understand that these symptoms are not an inevitable part of pregnancy or childbirth, and help is available.
How Can You Prevent Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Ideally, pelvic floor care should begin before pregnancy. Women can be assessed by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist during the pre-conception phase to assess their pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function. If any issues are identified, an individualized exercise and treatment plan can be created to strengthen these muscles in preparation for pregnancy.
Pelvic Floor Muscle training should continue throughout pregnancy and into the post-natal period for the best outcomes. This ongoing care helps maintain a strong, functional pelvic floor and reduces the risk of dysfunction after childbirth.
Even after giving birth, it's essential to focus on pelvic floor rehabilitation. A post-natal exercise program can help restore strength and function to the pelvic floor muscles, improving overall comfort and reducing the risk of long-term issues.
Physiotherapy at ATUNE Health Centres
If you have concerns or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please don't hesitate to contact ATUNE Health Centres to speak with a Physiotherapist. We are here to help guide you through every stage of pregnancy and post-natal recovery, ensuring that your pelvic floor remains strong and functional.
Your pelvic health is crucial to your overall well-being, and with the right care, you can prevent dysfunction and enjoy a pain-free journey.
