416 Ilam Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8052
Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 8pm
Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-8pm
Published by Better Health Osteopathy on 8 May 2019, PregnancyRehabilitation / Exercises
Pelvic floor muscles are at risk of becoming weakened both during pregnancy and when a traumatic or prolonged delivery takes place. It is estimated injuries to the levator ani muscle (LAM) which is fundamental in pelvic organ support occur in 13-36% of pregnant women who have a vaginal delivery.
In some cases, this can lead to issues with urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) anal incontinence (leakage of faeces), overactive bladder, painful intercourse, or organ prolapse where the bladder, uterine, or rectum can slip into the vagina. These conditions can occur post-delivery, or some years later.
Too often these conditions are left untreated, as women are too embarrassed to discuss this issue of pelvic floor dysfunction, which can have devastating impacts on their quality of life. Often women think that it is a natural part of pregnancy, when in fact in many instances treatment is available.
While it is difficult to generalise as each person’s circumstances differ, there are some things that can be done to help prevent pelvic floor injuries.
1. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Research supports the importance of pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy and early post-partum, with a decreased risk of pelvic floor injury and therefore a decreased risk of future urinary and faecal incontinence.
It is theorised that when the muscles of the pelvic floor are routinely exercised, they are more able to stretch and contract at the time of birth, which may lead to a lower rate of prolonged second-stage labour, and less impact on the pelvic floor. (See exercises below).
2. Modifying Obstetric Practices
Focus should also be on modifying obstetric practices which predispose women to pelvic floor injury. These factors include the promotion of spontaneous vaginal births without forced or early pushing, avoidance of instrumental assistance, or use of episiotomy. If assistance is needed, vacuum extraction over forceps delivery is recommended.
3. Adjusting Delivery Position
In contrast to the traditional position of lying on the back with legs in stirrups, upright and side-lying birthing positions have been found to be beneficial.
Shorter second-stage delivery times, the reduction in the need for instrumental intervention, fewer episiotomies and reduced muscle tearing are just some of the benefits of altering delivery positions.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can most definitely be treated. Treatments normally include a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, treatment of underlying medical issues, relaxation techniques, and hormone treatment. For more serious dysfunction such as prolapses, the use of pessaries (non-surgical) and reconstructive surgery is common.
The best treatment however is prevention – it is important that women of all ages learn how to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. This preparation will assist women during childbirth and also post menopause where oestrogen levels drop which can lead to further weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, leaving women at a greater risk of urinary incontinence and prolapse.
During pregnancy Osteopathic treatment will address any strains and dysfunction in your spine and pelvis, to ensure that the pelvic bones and muscles are aligned and balanced, providing optimum conditions for positioning, descent, and passage of the baby through the birth canal during delivery.
Post-delivery Osteopathic treatment will focus on any strains and trauma that may have occurred during labour and work to re-align your pelvis and spine. A well-aligned pelvis can provide the optimum environment for the pelvic floor muscles to heal. Throughout labour and post-pregnancy we teach strengthening exercises of the pelvic floor and gentle core exercises to strengthen the body during these demanding times.
Lots of women find it extremely difficult to contract their pelvic floor. The exercises in the video below will certainly assist you to better feel the contraction and relaxation of your pelvic floor muscles. You can do these daily, sitting at your desk, standing and washing the dishes, in the car at traffic lights, lying down, or during exercise. Enjoy and please ignore the minor profanities! 🙂
If you are struggling with pelvic floor issues or exercises – Our Osteopaths are here to help you!
Please do not hesitate to contact Lorraine Herity at Better Health Osteopathy in Christchurch today. Call 027 755 5700 or book online.
Lorraine Herity is the Clinic Director of Better Health Osteopathy in Christchurch, New Zealand. She previously worked in Osteopathic clinics in London and Ireland, before moving to New Zealand. Lorraine trained at the British School of Osteopathy in London, where she gained her Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost). Lorraine is a dedicated and passionate Osteopath. Her main aim is to help her patients regain their health and to return her patients back to their everyday activities, in as quick a time as possible. Lorraine is also a clinic tutor on the Osteopathic Course in Ara and relishes the opportunity to teach the next generation of osteopaths.
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