Navigating Your Pelvic Floor Recovery
What happens beneath the surface and how to heal
Your Pelvic Floor After Birth
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that forms a sling across the bottom of your pelvis, supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy and birth, those muscles are stretched, weakened, or sometimes injured. After a long pushing stage, a large baby, or an assisted delivery with forceps or vacuum, the risk of pelvic floor issues is higher. The good news: pelvic floor issues are common after birth, and they are also treatable. You do not need to live with incontinence, pelvic pain, or a feeling of heaviness. Help is available and it works.
Signs It Needs Attention
Some degree of pelvic floor weakness is normal after birth, but these signs suggest it is worth getting evaluated. Pelvic health has four domains: biomechanics (alignment and movement), biochemistry (nutrition and collagen), emotions (birth trauma and preexisting trauma affect physical healing), and scar tissue (the most overlooked factor). A thorough evaluation addresses all four:
The 6-Week Checkup Is Not Enough
That exam checks whether your uterus has shrunk. It does not assess pelvic floor function. A pelvic floor physical therapist can do a thorough assessment. Consider going even if you have no symptoms.