Written by: Kristýna Vondrová
In connection with motherhood, we face a number of wild changes that our body goes through. We pay the most attention to the obvious news: our weight, skin, complexion or hair. But our well-being and state of health are more influenced by the invisible matters. For example, the condition of the pelvic floor. Why focus on it during pregnancy and after giving birth, even if no one in life can say "wow, your pelvic floor is in the shape of a god"?
What is the pelvic floor
Pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues in the lower part of the pelvis that support the internal organs: the bladder, intestines, and in women, also the uterus. It acts as a natural "network", helping us control urination, defecation and sexual function. In addition, it provides balance to the entire body.
In connection with the pelvic floor, we address its flexibility and strength. Imagine a hammock on a tree branch you lie in: if it's too loose, you twist into it with disbelief and fear of crashing to the ground. At the opposite extreme, the hammock relentlessly pushes you, doesn't hug you, it causes tension. In the care of the pelvic floor, we therefore want to overcome weakening (hypotone) or, conversely, overloading (hypertone).
The complex anatomy of the pelvic floor also characteristically illustrates its power, unexpected connection to other organ systems and our psychological state. Even if an imbalance in the tension of the pelvic floor bothers up to a quarter of women, it often does not occur to us to connect e.g. migraines with the abdominal area.
What happens to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and childbirth
Due to the position of the uterus, it is evident that nine months of pregnancy affect the condition of the pelvic floor gout inevitably signs.
The effect of pregnancy can be summarized in the main points:
- Increased pressure. With the growth of the uterus and fetus, the pressure on the muscles of the pelvic floor increases. This causes the weakening of these muscles and reduces their ability to support them.
- Hormonal changes. The production of relaxin and progesterone increases during pregnancy and causes the muscles, ligaments and joints to relax so that the body is more flexible and ready for the passage of the baby. For the pelvic floor, loosening is a risk.
- Change in body position and weight. During pregnancy, there is a shift in the center of gravity and an increase in body weight, which overall increases the pressure on the pelvic area.
And then we face the (dreaded and desired) finish line. During vaginal birth, the largest opening of the pelvic floor occurs that a woman can experience during her lifetime. Therefore, it is usually accompanied by injuries to the mentioned muscles.
Even a caesarean section does not protect the pelvic floor from postpartum trauma. This is also the end of every fourth Czech pregnancy, it is a demanding operation of the abdominal cavity that requires patient recovery and careful care of the scar.
How problems with the pelvic floor manifest themselves
In connection with pelvic floor dysfunctions, mothers most often describe the following problems:
- back pain
- painful menstruation
- bloating and constipation
- gas or stool leakage
- some types of migraines
- leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or running
- discomfort during sex
Fortunately, these problems can be (at least partially) prevented or treated non-invasively.
How to care for your pelvic floor during pregnancy
The course of childbirth (despite all available information and positive affirmations) is never in our own hands. Unlike preventive care. If you are still pregnant, we recommend:
Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are special exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor. Gently contract and relax the muscles you use to hold urine for a few seconds, 10-15 times in a row, several times a day. Or watch our video series of three simple exercises to activate and relax the pelvic floor, which are useful both during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Focus on correct posture and breathing
Consciously avoid excessive bending or forward bending. Remember to breathe during daily activities as well as targeted physical activity. You can adjust your posture in front of the mirror according to our instructions from a physiotherapist, which you can find in the article Causes, prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Informed preparation for childbirth
Childbirth is somewhat instinctive. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to prepare for it (and its wide range of scenarios) even theoretically in cooperation with experts. In antenatal classes or during consultations with a midwife or doula, you can learn techniques to relax the muscles of the pelvic floor and thus contribute to your labor progressing at the right pace.
What to do for the pelvic floor after childbirth
If you give birth in a hospital, you take away from it (apart from a powerful experience) information about the extent of your birth injuries. These include, for example, cracks and tears in the vagina, cervix or external genitalia (labia minora). The birth injury to the perineum also has a major impact on the pelvic floor, which is summarized in the document Report on the Mother.
If you fall into the 1st degree, there is only an injury to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In the case of (very common) "doubles", however, the rupture affected the muscle as well. Therefore, do not underestimate it, even if you do not feel persistent pain (as with an injury to the sphincter or rectal mucosa). Better try:
Don’t rush back to your old routine
Societal pressure drives us to instantly regain our old figure, career and performance after giving birth. Don't rush yourself. You have a challenging ultramarathon behind you and a new life in your arms that demands your time, patience and presence. It's totally okay to be "just a mom" right now. Your defense period does not expire even at the end of the six months. The pelvic floor is - just like the trapezius - a stress muscle. Our worries and anxieties are stored in it, so let's not create them unnecessarily.
Visit a specialized physiotherapist
Immediately after giving birth to the pelvic floor, you can think, feel and observe it. Plan a visit to the specialist only after the end of the six-month period (ideally after completing the six-week gynaecological examination). They will teach you simple exercises to activate the pelvic floor and give advice on body posture during daily activities, the way to get up or specific movements associated with caring for a baby.
Include Venus balls in your routine
We offer the lightest edition directly to women after vaginal birth Whoop·de·doo Light Venus balls 41 g. gynaecologist Dr also took part in its development. Petra Vrzáčková. Venus balls operate on the principle of light vibrations of internal balls that stimulate the entire area, sensitize it and blood it. Stimulation is especially intense when moving, so our customers combine wearing Venus balls with walks or yoga practice.
Why choose Whoop·de·doo Venus balls?
Five good reasons to stop browsing and choose with confidence:
- Minimal and gentle design. Our balls are designed by a woman for women, in close cooperation with a gynaecologist. Sensitive with a focus on function, ergonomics and sustainability.
- Made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Quality material that is hypoallergenic, body friendly and easy to maintain and completely odorless. Just wash them with warm water, intimate soap, or sterilize them by boiling them before and after use.
- Improving the condition of the pelvic floor after only four weeks. From the reactions of our loyal customers, we know that if you wear it regularly for 2 to 3 hours three times a week, you will feel a change in about a month.
- Three weights variants. For new mothers, we recommend the lightest version of the balls Light, but for advanced users we also have in stock the alternative Classic and Heavy Noir. The heavier the balls you wear, the more you strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Support of a local brand. Whoop·de·doo founded in 2013 by designer Anna Marešová. Since then, he has been helping his clients experience intimacy completely freely, naturally and fully.
The article was created with a professional guarantee Dr Erika Francová.
Thank you!
Where to next?
We have been dealing with pelvic floor problems for a long time, so you can find other useful articles on our blog. We have selected for you: