About Your Pelvic Floor, Core, And More

It’s a sensitive subject. But it needn’t be. We’re here to talk about it all. Because it’s time pelvic floor wasn’t taboo. We’re here to share the all natural nitty gritty, about your pelvic floor. And more. Maybe you haven’t really thought why your pelvic floor matters. As a web of muscles, ligaments and tissues that stretches across your pelvic bones, it does the important job of supporting all your pelvic organs. These organs include your vagina, womb, bladder and bowels.

During pregnancy our core, which includes your pelvic floor, back, abdomen, and hips, undergoes a lot to nurture your little bundle of joy. Over nine months and during birth, the muscles in your pelvic floor become stretched. The weight of your baby, hormones that loosen your tissues, and the efforts of labor all put extra pressure on this part of your body. As a result your pelvic floor may become weakened or damaged. This isn’t unusual. In fact, many moms experience changes after pregnancy.

Don’t suffer in silence 

This means you may experience leakage or gas when you exert insignificant levels of energy. For instance some women experience leakage when lifting their baby, grabbing groceries, coughing and sneezing-- or even laughing! Some women also suffer from back, hip, and pelvic floor pain. But this condition isn’t irreversible. You don't have to suffer in silence. And no, you don’t have to laugh it off. Because many moms are finding yoga is a successful way to improve postpartum pain, leakage, and postural changes. 

These common yoga moves may be helpful to try at home in the postpartum period:

Let’s customize a personal core program

However, not all exercises are optimal for everyone. So you may want to consider consulting a female therapist who specializes in pelvic floor and women’s health. Sharing details with an expert may feel intimidating, but as with your obstetrician, you’ll quickly develop a comfort level and rapport. By assessing your personal needs and developing a personal program of exercises and manual therapy, you can partner on improving your symptoms together.

Redeemer Health offers this type of discrete specialized care. If you think you would benefit from pelvic floor/ women's health physical therapy, please call 215-938-5621

Has pelvic floor therapy or yoga helped you? We’d love to hear your experience in the comments below.