The Importance of Pelvic Floor Muscles Pre and Post Pregnancy

She shared with us a wealth of knowledge, which rehab physiotherapist Zoe Tompkins discusses below. 

There are a number of musculoskeletal changes that occur during pregnancy including altered weight distribution and connective tissue changes which can lead to lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other complications. Various factors during birth can also contribute to these complications, including the type of delivery, length of labour, birth weight, and whether the birth is spontaneous or induced. 

It is well established by research that the pelvic floor muscles are very important both pre-natally and post-natally. The pelvic floor muscles are involved in continence, pelvic organ support, sexual function and pelvic girdle support.

Disruption or difficulty with the above can suggest dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, but it is important not to assume that they are weak. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (just like any other muscle) can include weakness, tightness, overactivity, tension, tension myalgia, avulsion injury or perineal descent. 

Typical signs of pelvic floor dysfunction (tight vs weak) include: 

Tight/Hypertonic: 

• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely 
• Inability or difficulty using tampons 
• Pain during intercourse 
• Stress incontinence- loss of urine with coughing or sneezing 

Weak/ Prolapse: 

• Urinary or bowel incontinence 
• Feeling of heaviness/dragging sensation that is often worse towards the end of the day
• History of multiple births, vaginal delivery, perineal tearing 

If you suspect that the above may apply to you it is recommended that you speak to your Physiotherapist, who may refer you on to a Women’s Health trained Physiotherapist. 

Stay tuned for next weeks blog where Zoe will discuss exercise during pregnancy.