Postpartum recovery is not to be overlooked as it is the time where you endure the most rapid healing and best chance of recovery occurs when you are active with the treatment plan. A healthy pelvic floor has the followings benefits postpartum:
1. Preventing Incontinence
One of the most common issues women face after childbirth is urinary incontinence, which can range from occasional leakage during coughing or sneezing to more severe issues like complete loss of bladder control. The pelvic floor muscles are essential for maintaining control over urination, so when these muscles are weakened, the risk of incontinence increases.
Postpartum women are particularly susceptible to incontinence due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, trauma during childbirth, stretched and weakened muscles, and increased intra-abdominal pressure ie coughing and sneezing while holding your baby with a weak pelvic floor can lead to leakage. Strengthening these muscles at the right time is crucial to recovery of strength lost during the pregnancy and childbirth experience.
2. Avoiding Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become too weak to support the organs in the pelvis causing descent with the effects of gravity into the vagina. There can be protrusion of theses organs into the vagina that can cause a host of issues. Prolapses need to be treated early as milder cases lead to better outcomes. Prolapse can occur during childbirth and is usually seen in women with a prolonged or difficult labor and pushing period, multiple pregnancies, or have experienced menopause. Strengthening is the first line of defence in the treatment of this condition.
3. Improving Sexual Health
Many women experience changes in sexual function following childbirth, including pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), vaginal dryness, and decreased sensation. The pelvic floor muscles play a significant role in sexual health, including sensation and arousal. If the pelvic floor muscles are weakened after childbirth contributed with hormonal changes postpartum, this is a recipe for issues during sex. Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation that begins in a timely fashion can help strengthen the muscles, improve blood flow and enhance sexual function.
4. Reducing Pelvic Pain
Some women experience chronic pelvic pain after childbirth, which can result from a variety of factors, including pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve damage, or muscle tightness. Dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles, whether they’re too weak, too tight, or poorly coordinated all can contribute to pain in the pelvis.
Pelvic floor exercises, as well as techniques such as hands-on release and manual therapy, can help reduce pain and discomfort by improving muscle tone, flexibility, and coordination.
What does a Pelvic Floor Postpartum Treatment Plan Look Like
Restoring pelvic floor function after childbirth is a critical part of postpartum recovery, and there are several steps women can take to strengthen their pelvic muscles and avoid complications. Assessment by a pelvic floor physiotherapist should take place after the 6 week mark once clearance received by OBGYN.
Once clearance is received, you would book in with a pelvic floor physiotherapist who would begin with a medical history including birth experience. You would receive a full body assessment and functional assessment. Internal exams are commonly performed vaginally and rectally (if there are issues) to determine weakness, tightness, incoordination, etc. Treatment includes education, lifestyle modification, toileting education, posture exercises, kegels for strengthening, hands on release internally, relaxation exercises, biofeedback, etc.
Pelvic floor health is a crucial component of postpartum recovery. The challenges that arise during and after childbirth can have a lasting impact on the pelvic muscles, leading to issues such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. The sooner you prioritize your pelvic health, the smoother and more enjoyable your postpartum experience will be, allowing you to return to your regular activities in no time.