Pregnancy and your Pelvic Floor!
Hey mamas and mamas-to-be!
When preparing for pregnancy, we often think about how our bodies will change. Most commonly, we think of these changes in terms of physical changes we can see such as weight gain, larger breasts, and maybe stretch marks. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong, abnormal or bad about your body changing post pregnancy – it just housed and birth a literal human being (which is so miraculous if you really think about it) – however what about the changes you can’t see? What about the changes you feel and accept as ‘normal’?
It’s a running joke that people who give birth pee a little when they cough or laugh too hard after they’ve had their baby. However, did you know that this is actually caused by a dysfunction that can be fixed? This is caused by a dysfunction in the pelvic floor.
Here are some signs that your pelvic floor needs some love:
· You pee when you cough/laugh
· You pee more often than 8 times per day
· You are constipated or strain while having a bowel movement
· You have difficulty making it to the toilet/have accidents
· You have pain or discomfort during sex
· You feel a sensation of something sitting in your vagina
· Your vagina does not hold your menstrual cup or a tampon the way it used to
· You have lower back pain
Your pelvic floor consists of the various muscles that make up your “saddle”. In other words, it is basically compromised of the muscles in and around your vagina and rectum/anus. These muscles control your ability to pee, poop, have sex, birth a baby and so much more. During pregnancy and labour, your pelvic floor undergoes an immense amount of pressure and stretch. Thankfully, they are muscles so they return to their previous size. However, the muscles may become weaker, or a prolapse may occur, which is what causes the symptoms I mentioned above.
You might be tempted to think that some Kegels can fix this, and you’re partially correct. However, oftentimes our pelvic floors are actually hypertonic (aka too tight). Contrary to popular belief, a tight pelvic floor is actually also weak. In order to strengthen a hypertonic pelvic floor, we must first learn to relax our muscles and then build strength. The best way to know what is happening with your pelvic floor is to get it assessed by a certified pelvic floor therapist. It’s best to wait a few weeks postpartum to recover first before getting assessed, though. Therapies will differ depend on your individual concerns and the state of your pelvic floor.
Actually, you don’t even have to wait until after the baby is born in order to get yourself assessed. The sooner, the better. Getting your pelvic floor nice and strong before you give birth will actually assist you in having a more efficient labour, lessen your chances of tearing, and having a speedier recovery postpartum.
Do yourself a favour and show your pelvic floor some love!
Yours in health,
Birth doula
Pelvic floor therapist