Your Postpartum Body: Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your organs in the abdomen, and pregnancy puts significant strain on them. Stretching, weakening, or separation of these muscles during pregnancy can lead to complications that many women assume are just part of life after birth. They are common, but they are not inevitable, and most are treatable. This article covers the three main postpartum pelvic floor issues: diastasis recti, organ prolapse, and incontinence, and what your treatment options look like.

TL;DR

• Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles down the middle. Symptoms include a bulging belly, lower back pain, leaking urine when sneezing, and difficulty lifting or standing from sitting.
• Organ prolapse happens when a weakened pelvic floor can no longer support the abdominal organs, which begin to descend into the vagina. It is serious but often preventable with proper pelvic floor care.
• Incontinence, leaking urine when you sneeze, cough, or jump, is common postpartum but not normal. It can be improved or prevented with treatment.
• The most effective first step for all three conditions is seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist, ideally starting during pregnancy rather than after.
• Surgical options exist for more severe cases; your gynecologist can help determine the right approach for your situation.

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a fairly common postpartum complication that involves the muscles of the abdomen separating down the middle. Many of the symptoms of diastasis recti are things that people just assume are part of life after having a baby, but they do not have to be! Some common symptoms are:

• A bulging belly
• Having a hard time lifting things, or standing up from sitting
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain in the pelvis, hips, or lower back
• Bad posture
• Leaking urine when you sneeze, jump, or cough
• Constipation

Some common symptoms are a bulging belly or having a hard time lifting things. As your baby grows and you begin exploring a guide to baby-led weaning, having the core strength to sit comfortably and manage high-chair safety becomes even more essential.

Organ Prolapse

Organ prolapse sounds scary and it is a serious complication, but it is also something that can usually be avoided with proper pelvic floor care. Organ prolapse occurs when your pelvic floor can no longer support the muscles in your abdomen and they begin to fall into your vagina. Symptoms include:

• Feeling heavy or full in your abdomen or vagina
• Feeling like something is coming out of your vagina
• Issues with urinating
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse

Symptoms include feeling heavy or full in your abdomen or vagina. While managing these serious concerns, remember that even temporary issues like night sweats during pregnancy or postpartum can drain your energy, making it vital to prioritize your self-care.

Incontinence

Many people think that peeing when you sneeze or cough is just normal once you’ve had a baby. It may be common, but it isn’t normal and it is something you can improve. This is not simply something you have to live with. With proper treatment, or better yet, preparation during or even before pregnancy, incontinence can be reversed or prevented.

Treatment Options

The best way to ensure the health of your pelvic floor is to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. Many pelvic floor physical therapists can start working with you even during pregnancy to help strengthen your pelvic floor and stop any problems before the start. Sometimes, however, other forms of treatment may be necessary, including surgical options. 

Your gynecologist or other care provider can help you determine what option may be right for your specific situation. Throughout your healing process, utilizing Mental Health AI can provide the emotional resilience and daily support needed to manage long-term recovery goals.