What Every New Mom Needs to Know About Pelvic Health Post-Childbirth
Nine months of pregnancy and the intensity of childbirth transform your body in ways that go far beyond the visible changes. While your baby takes center stage, your pelvic health plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in your postpartum journey.
Many new mothers, however, are left to deal with this recuperation without any help, and they question whether their experiences are normal. In this article, we’ll explore the essential aspects of pelvic health after childbirth.
Understanding Pregnancy’s Impact on Your Pelvic Floor
The muscles at the base of the pelvis are called the pelvic floor. These muscles help with sexual activity, manage the release of urine and stool, and provide support for pelvic organs.
During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles can become compromised. They must bear not only the weight of the internal organs but also the added weight from the growing uterus and baby.
Additionally, these muscles prepare to stretch significantly during labor. According to Rajagopal, “Tears during childbirth are relatively common, which can lead to a weakened pelvic floor. In some cases, the pelvic floor may also become overly tense, resulting in discomfort and spasms.”
It’s important to understand that the pelvic floor can be affected regardless of whether the delivery is vaginal or through a C-section.
Rajagopal points out, “There’s a misconception that a C-section doesn’t impact the pelvic floor. However, the physical demands of pregnancy still apply. Moreover, if labor transitions from a planned vaginal delivery to an emergency C-section, this can also alter pelvic floor dynamics.”
Understanding Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain
New research reveals striking statistics about pelvic girdle pain (PGP), a significant health challenge affecting pregnant and postpartum women. Studies over the last twenty years show that this condition affects 7% to 65% of pregnant women. Postpartum cases range from 0% to 41%.
Postpartum pelvic pain can be quite uncomfortable and may manifest in various ways across different areas of the body. If you are experiencing pelvic girdle pain, it is likely localized around three key pelvic joints.
As per What to Expect, one common area affected is the pubic symphysis, located at the center of the pelvis. Pain in this joint can radiate to the back, hips, and legs, often intensifying during weight-bearing activities like running.
Another frequent source of postpartum pelvic pain is the sacroiliac (SI) joints, which are situated on either side of the lower spine. This pain typically presents in the lower back, and you may feel discomfort on one side or both. It can also extend into the thighs, particularly during activities that place weight on the pelvis.
In addition to these areas, pelvic pain postpartum can occur in other unexpected locations. For instance, you may experience discomfort in the tailbone (coccyx), within the vagina, or in the groin.
How to Relieve Pelvic Pain After Pregnancy?
Pelvic pain is a common issue for many women during and after pregnancy. It is caused by changes in the body, hormone fluctuations, and the pressure of carrying a baby. Here are some practical steps to help alleviate pelvic pain:
Mindful Belly Breathing
This basic exercise can help release hidden tension in your pelvic region. Start by finding a relaxed position – you can lie flat on your back or sit back in a reclined posture. Place both hands gently on your stomach area.
As you draw in a deep breath, envision your abdomen expanding outward like a slowly inflating balloon. Feel the rise beneath your palms. During the exhale, let your abdomen naturally sink back down.
Pelvic Physical Rehabilitation
Specialized physical therapy is an effective approach for managing pelvic discomfort. Physical therapists with expertise in pelvic health commonly assist patients, particularly postpartum women, in their recovery journey.
These trained specialists focus on techniques designed to address and alleviate pelvic pain through targeted therapeutic methods. For new mothers seeking relief from postpartum pelvic issues, consulting a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist can be highly beneficial. They can help develop a personalized treatment plan.
Mesh Treatment Options
Childbirth can significantly impact pelvic wellness, potentially leading to conditions like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These challenges emerge from the profound physical changes during pregnancy and delivery, prompting medical professionals to explore surgical interventions.
Surgical mesh represents a medical solution designed to reinforce weakened pelvic tissues. This synthetic or biological material serves as structural support during reconstructive procedures addressing POP and SUI. Depending on the specific surgical approach, physicians may implement mesh through vaginal or abdominal access points.
Here are the most common types of surgical mesh:
- Synthetic mesh: Predominantly constructed from permanent polypropylene polymers, offering long-term structural reinforcement
- Biological mesh: Derived from animal tissue sources, though less frequently recommended due to potential performance limitations
If you’re considering mesh surgery, particularly vaginal mesh, it’s important to be aware of potential complications. Vaginal mesh is commonly used for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but it has been associated with several serious issues. Complications from this type of surgical mesh can include:
- Vaginal mesh erosion: The mesh can erode into surrounding tissues.
- Pain: Many women report ongoing discomfort after the procedure.
- Organ perforation: In some cases, the mesh can puncture internal organs.
In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified the mesh used for transvaginal POP repair as a high-risk device. The FDA stated that complications are “not rare.”
As per Drugwatch, by April 2019, the FDA ordered all manufacturers to cease sales of POP mesh. This is due to concerns regarding its safety and effectiveness. The seriousness of these complications has led many affected women to file vaginal mesh lawsuits against manufacturers.
According to TruLaw, a recent survey revealed that 59% of women who received pelvic mesh implants reported experiencing problems. This highlights the large number of women who have undergone these procedures and experienced complications. As a result, legal actions and settlements have reached as high as $188.7 million.
Core Function
Core muscle function plays a fundamental role in pelvic health and overall body mechanics.
The pelvic floor muscles work as part of an integrated core system, acting in coordination with the deep abdominal muscles, particularly the transverse abdominis. This muscular network provides essential stability and support for your spine, pelvis, and internal organs. Proper core function extends beyond just having a “strong stomach.” When you strengthen these deep core muscles correctly, you can experience multiple benefits, including:
- Improved posture and spinal alignment
- Reduced back and pelvic pain
- Enhanced stability during daily activities
- Better control of bladder and bowel function
- More efficient breathing patterns
FAQ’S
What causes pain in my sit bone after delivery?
Following childbirth, you may experience tailbone (coccyx) discomfort, known as coccydynia. This condition disproportionately affects women, being five times more common in females than males. The intense pushing during labor can strain the ligaments around your tailbone, resulting in pain that particularly affects your ability to sit comfortably. This discomfort, while challenging, typically improves with proper care and time.
Why do I have pelvic discomfort following my cesarean delivery?
Research indicates that women who undergo cesarean deliveries are two to five times more likely to experience pelvic and lower back pain. This is compared to those who deliver vaginally. This increased risk stems from multiple factors, including the formation of scar tissue, alterations in muscle balance, and possible nerve irritation. It also includes changes in how you move during recovery.
What exercises can help strengthen my pelvic area postpartum?
A beneficial exercise for postpartum pelvic strengthening is the pelvic tilt. This gentle yet effective movement begins by lying on your back with bent knees. By engaging your abdominal muscles, you’ll press your lower back against the floor while slightly tilting your pelvis. Hold this position for up to 10 seconds, starting with five repetitions and gradually working up to 10-20 repetitions as your strength improves.
While society often pressures new mothers to “bounce back,” true healing requires patience, knowledge, and professional support.
By understanding and addressing your pelvic health needs today, you’re investing in decades of a better quality of life. You’re also setting an example of self-care for your child. Additionally, you’re helping break the silence around postpartum recovery for future generations of mothers.
