{"id":3924,"date":"2023-01-31T13:30:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T13:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.mutusystem.com\/en-us\/?p=3924"},"modified":"2024-01-23T15:48:04","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T15:48:04","slug":"pregnancys-effect-on-the-pelvic-floor-what-to-expect-and-tips-for-healing-postpartum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mutusystem.com\/en-us\/pelvic-floor\/pregnancys-effect-on-the-pelvic-floor-what-to-expect-and-tips-for-healing-postpartum\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy’s Effect on the Pelvic Floor: What to Expect and Tips For Healing Postpartum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Curious about what happens to your pelvic floor<\/a> during pregnancy? Asking yourself how to prepare your pelvic floor for birth? Or maybe you\u2019re looking for tips on how to heal postpartum? This article looks at the most commonly asked questions about the effect of pregnancy on the pelvic floor. We also offer you tips for how to prepare and recover.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are lots of things going on that can make for a weaker pelvic floor in pregnancy and postpartum. This may be the normal changes occurring in pregnancy and simply affect some moms more than others. Some may be due to circumstances that arise in the process of giving birth or from certain birthing procedures. There are even emotional changes that can play into the strength of your pelvic floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens to Your Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy (and after birth)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you think about what they have to support, it\u2019s not surprising they need exercising to stay strong! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three major organs of your pelvic region: your bladder, uterus and bowel are literally held in by your pelvic floor muscles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cImage used with permission from Pelvic Guru\u00ae, LLC as a member of the Global Pelvic Health Alliance. www.pelvicglobal.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As your uterus does its incredible expansion and you grow a baby in there (or a few of them at once), it is obviously going to put some added strain on the soft tissue in your pelvic floor. They are responsible for helping hold up your organs normally, and have the added responsibility of supporting the weight of your growing baby, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may start noticing that it\u2019s harder to hold in your pee during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. That\u2019s from the added pressure of a growing feotus on your pelvic floor muscles and bladder. Constipation is another common issue in pregnancy for the same reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also notice an increase in hip pain, ligament pain around your groin, and feeling unstable as you walk from the combination of normal loosening hormones and pelvic floor strain in late pregnancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three major organs, the weight of a baby, and the massive pressure of possibly hours of pushing down hard during labor. A c-section may mean you avoided the pushing or any tearing, but the weight borne throughout pregnancy will still very much apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes! Remember it\u2019s not just about squeezing, squeezing, squeezing. Pelvic floor exercises include stretching and releasing as well as working on tone. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially important for preparing for birth. Having an overly tight pelvic floor<\/a> can work against you when it comes time to push. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this sounds a bit like Goldilocks, it can be. Listen to your own body as it shifts and changes through pregnancy, working on firming and stretching as it seems fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some good pelvic floor exercises in pregnancy are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n