Pelvic floor physiotherapy after childbirth

Childbirth is a profound experience for a woman's body. The pelvic floor is during Pregnancy and childbirth heavily strained. This can lead to a weakening or overuse of the muscles, which in turn can cause various complaints, such as incontinence, pain, or organ prolapse. Fortunately, it can Pelvic floor physiotherapy aid in strengthening these muscles, reducing pain, and supporting postpartum recovery. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the importance of pelvic floor physiotherapy after childbirth and how it can contribute to your body's recovery.

Bekkenbodemspieren zijn een groep spieren die de bodem van het bekken vormen. Ze worden ook wel de intrinsieke bekkenbodemspieren genoemd en zijn verantwoordelijk voor het ondersteunen van de organen in het bekken, zoals de blaas, baarmoeder en darmen. Ze helpen ook bij het beheersen van de blaas- en darmfunctie.

The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles which are located in the pelvis like a sort of “hammock”. These muscles support important organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and intestines. They are crucial for functions such as urinating, defecating, and sexual activity. Furthermore, they provide pelvic stability and help support the spine.

During the pregnancy the pelvic floor is strained. As the baby grows, the pelvic floor muscles adjust to make space for the baby. In addition, the muscles can be put under extra heavy strain during Vaginal birth. This can lead to a temporary weakening or even damage of the pelvic floor muscles.

Why pelvic floor physiotherapy after childbirth?

After childbirth, the pelvic floor often needs time to recover. This can vary from woman to woman, depending on factors such as the type of birth (vaginal or caesarean section), the duration of labour, and the number of children you have had. Many women experience complaints in the weeks following childbirth. Pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to restore the function of the pelvic floor muscles and normalise bladder and bowel function. Below, we discuss some important reasons why pelvic floor physiotherapy is valuable after childbirth:

1. Recovery of muscle strength and functionPelvic floor physiotherapy helps to rebuild the strength and function of these muscles through targeted exercises. This not only strengthens the muscles but also ensures they can function properly again, giving you more control over your bladder and bowel function, as well as sexual function.
2. Prevention of incontinence Many women experience urinary incontinence after childbirth. This problem can range from slight leakage when coughing or sneezing to a complete loss of bladder control. This is called stress incontinence. Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the muscles responsible for retaining urine, which can help reduce or even completely resolve incontinence.
3. Pelvic pain reduction After childbirth, many women experience pain in the pelvic area, especially if the muscles do not recover properly or remain tense. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to relieve muscle tension, improve pelvic mobility, and reduce pain.
4. Improving sexual health After childbirth, women may experience pain or discomfort during sexual activity, often a result of weakened or overused pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and restore flexibility, which can contribute to reducing pain during sex and improving sexual well-being. Raising awareness around this is also of great importance.
5. Recovery after a Caesarean section Women who have had a caesarean section can also benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. The pelvic floor muscles are subject to change during a caesarean section, and they also expand. This can lead to weakened abdominal muscle function and discomfort in the pelvic area. Women also undergo hormonal changes, which make the tissue more flexible. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles, both in the pelvic floor and the abdomen, to promote overall recovery. During this therapy, attention is also paid to the care of the caesarean scar.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves exercises and techniques to strengthen and improve the coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are located at the base of the pelvis and play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel function, and contributing to sexual health.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy consists of a series of targeted exercises specifically developed to strengthen, relax, and gain better control over the pelvic floor muscles. In addition to performing the exercises, increasing awareness and providing advice are of great importance. The exercises can include the following elements, among others:

1. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) One of the most important exercises is the Kegel exercise, which involves contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. This helps to strengthen the muscles and learn to relax them, which is essential for good control over the bladder, bowels, and sexual function.
2. Breathing techniques Many women tend to unconsciously clench their pelvic floor muscles. Breathing exercises can help to relax the muscles.

When do you start pelvic floor physiotherapy?

It is usually recommended to six weeks after giving birth Wait before you start pelvic floor physiotherapy, unless there are specific complaints or recommendations from a doctor or physiotherapist. However, it's never too late to begin. Even if you are still experiencing complaints months or years after giving birth, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you to restore muscle function and prevent further problems.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the postpartum recovery process. Strengthening and restoring the pelvic floor muscles is essential for good physical health. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help reduce incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual discomfort, ensuring your pelvic floor functions correctly, which improves overall quality of life.

Would you like to address any postpartum complaints or focus on preventative measures? You can always come to our pelvic floor physiotherapists with minimal waiting times!