Pelvic floor disorders are not inevitable during pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and Kegel exercises reduce the risk of pelvic floor problems such as urinary incontinence and prolapse. Doctors Mayo Clinic.
The pelvic floor is the thin tissue that supports the uterus, bladder, colon and rectum. Injury to the pelvic floor muscles and nerves can also cause pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and organ prolapse.
Research shows that the more vaginal births a woman has, the more likely she is to experience pelvic floor dysfunction. However, approximately 50% of pregnant women experience symptoms of pelvic floor disorders before giving birth. Extra weight gained during pregnancy puts more pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to an increased risk of urinary incontinence. Constipation is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and also puts strain on the pelvic floor.
In addition, significant hormonal changes occur in the body during pregnancy. The placenta secretes the hormone relaxin, which increases the flexibility of the pelvic ligaments and softens the cervix to prepare the body for birth. This cannot be prevented, but other risk factors can be ignored: smoking and heavy lifting.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that pelvic floor disorders are not inevitable during pregnancy. Just as pregnant women take vitamins and avoid alcohol, they can take steps to reduce their risk of pelvic floor disorders, such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and attending prenatal classes. They often include stretching and breathing exercises to help coordinate the respiratory diaphragm and pelvic floor during labor. Pregnancy yoga and perineal massage can help prepare the pelvic floor and reduce the risk of injury during birth. When done correctly, Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, but around 40% of people do not do them correctly, so seeing a physiotherapist is a good starting point.
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