Dear moms-to-be, the choice of how to give birth is a significant decision every expectant mother faces. A common question arises: which method—vaginal delivery or cesarean section—causes less damage to the pelvic floor muscles? Some may perceive cesarean delivery as a quicker, less damaging option, while vaginal delivery seems to impose greater strain on the pelvic floor, necessitating rehabilitation. But is this really the case?
Not quite! This perspective often overlooks the broader implications of pregnancy and delivery on pelvic floor function. As postpartum recovery expert Juliana Afraim from Germany noted, “Research shows that the decisive factor for postpartum pelvic floor condition is the load it endures during the nine months of pregnancy, with delivery being just the final straw
Today, let’s explore the effects of pregnancy and delivery on your pelvic floor together.
The Importance of the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles that support pelvic organs. A healthy pelvic floor functions like a hammock, with the pubic bone, tailbone, and two sit bones acting as its pillars. Three tubes—urinary tract, vagina, and rectum—pass through this structure, enabling control over urination and bowel movements.
How Pregnancy Affects the Pelvic Floor
During pregnancy, weight gain, an expanding uterus, and hormonal changes exert chronic mechanical stress on pelvic tissues, affecting their structure. In late pregnancy, as your belly grows, your spine adjusts, shifting your body’s center of gravity towards your pelvic floor, which can lead to further structural damage and functional decline.
Many women experience stress urinary incontinence in the later stages of pregnancy, often leaking urine during coughing or laughing due to increased abdominal pressure.
The Impact of Delivery Method on the Pelvic Floor
Vaginal Delivery: This method, while often considered ideal, can lead to acute injuries during childbirth. As the baby’s head moves through the birth canal, it may cause damage to pelvic muscles, connective tissues, and nerves.
Cesarean Section: Although cesarean delivery avoids direct injury from the baby’s head, the overall effects of pregnancy on the pelvic floor are still significant. Cesarean mothers face a higher risk of postpartum infections, bleeding, and urinary retention, along with long-term complications like adhesions and chronic pelvic pain.
Regardless of the method chosen, the journey of pregnancy inevitably affects the pelvic floor. Complications during pregnancy, such as excessive fetal size or prolonged labor, can exacerbate muscle damage.
When deciding on a delivery method, consider your health, medical history, and personal preferences. Most importantly, communicate closely with your healthcare provider to choose the safest option for you and your baby.
Rehabilitation for Pelvic Floor Function
Sheyera recommends that all new mothers undergo a pelvic floor screening by six weeks postpartum. A commonly used assessment is the Glazer assessment, which evaluates pelvic floor function in about six minutes and guides targeted rehabilitation.
Kegel Exercises: For those with mild pelvic floor dysfunction, exercises like deep abdominal breathing and Kegel exercises can enhance pelvic floor muscle strength and elasticity. Kegel exercises are simple, safe, and effective, making them easy to incorporate into daily life.
Electrical Stimulation with Biofeedback: This method can help regulate muscle function. Pelvic floor electrical stimulation enhances muscle contractions, providing a pathway for those unable to contract their pelvic muscles actively. This approach is particularly beneficial for women struggling with proper exercise techniques.
Sheyera Kegel Exerciser: Combine both of Kegel Exercises and Electrical Stimulation with Biofeedback，we introduce the Sheyera Kegel Exerciser—an electric device designed for women. This innovative incontinence treatment combines gentle electrical stimulation with Kegel exercises, effectively strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. User-friendly and effective, it empowers you on your recovery journey, making pelvic health more accessible.
By sharing this information, Sheyera hopes to empower postpartum mothers to understand the effects of pregnancy and delivery on the pelvic floor. Remember, the first six months postpartum are critical for preventing and addressing pelvic floor dysfunction.