Common pelvic floor mistakes mums make after giving birth
Childbirth can take a toll on your pelvic floor, but with the right care, you can manage and even prevent issues. Here’s what to do.
When it comes to personal care priorities post-birth, snatching a nap or a quick shower is high on the to-do list.
Pelvic health — not so much.
But when you consider almost half of all women who have had a child also have some level of prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction must be taken more seriously — and discussed more openly.
“Often you learn about women’s health issues from your mother, but they never spoke about it, partly because they were also never raising it with their health care professionals,” pelvic health physiotherapist Rosie Purdue says.
“It was considered embarrassing or just something to put up with.”
Causes of pelvic problems
Rosie, the founder of Hatched House women’s health clinic, says there’s a misconception that only vaginal births, and not caesarean sections, can result in pelvic floor issues.
“Childbirth in general is a risk factor for pelvic health concerns, as you still carry the baby on top of your pelvic floor for roughly nine months,” she says.
Various factors can contribute to pelvic health issues, including having a large baby, multiple pregnancies, hormonal changes, prolonged labour, instrumental delivery, heavy lifting and some medical conditions.
Obstetrician Dr Hong Tran says a previous prolapse may increase the risk in subsequent deliveries.
“Addressing concerns with your obstetrician is crucial, considering factors like the degree of prolapse, symptom severity and other medical conditions,” Dr Tran says.
She says obstetricians play a role in pelvic health education.
“We can help advocate for position changes during labour, discourage early pushing and use warm compresses and lubrication during crowning,” she says.
Some common pelvic health concerns
Rosie’s clientele includes individuals experiencing urinary leakage, urgency, prolapse and complex pelvic pain.
“These days, the way we classify prolapse is different,” Rosie says.
“There is anatomical prolapse, where one of the organs is dropping down, but another factor we consider is whether this bothers the person.
“They may have grade one, two, three or four prolapses,” she says.
“If it’s a mild prolapse and everything is still sitting up inside the vagina, but it’s sitting lower than what we consider normal, then it may not be bothersome.”
Rethinking normal
Rosie says a big misconception is that a lot of the symptoms that women have postnatally are normal, such as peeing yourself during a sneeze or finding sex uncomfortable.
“Things can be common but not normal,” she says. “One in three women wet themselves after having a baby, so that makes it common but it’s still not what we consider normal, and we often can reverse that.”
Treatment options
“Pelvic floor exercises are a part of treatment, especially if they are done with correct technique,” Rosie says.
“Making sure your toileting habits are optimal — avoiding constipation, taking enough time to go to the toilet and not doing any ‘just in case’ wees — is important.”
Maintaining good posture, having fibre in your diet, drinking water and managing your weight can also help continence and pelvic floor issues.
In some instances, surgery can be an option, especially for a prolapse that is affecting your quality of life.
“Some cases can’t be managed well enough with physio alone,” Rosie says.
While your GP is likely to be the first port of call, it is also worth seeing a pelvic floor physio so you can be assessed and begin treatment.
“Early intervention is key, but it’s never too late to work on your pelvic health,” Rosie says.
More on postpartum health:
- A mum’s story: What it’s like to have postpartum psychosis
- 10 tips every breastfeeding mum needs to know
- What to know about hiring a birth doula
- Three compelling reasons to do your kegel exercises
Written by Samantha Allemann.
