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Why Your Pelvic Floor Is Important During Pregnancy

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WHAT IS YOUR PELVIC FLOOR?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a sling at the bottom of your pelvis, holding the bladder, bowel and uterus in place. When these muscles are working correctly, they give you control over when you empty your bladder or have a bowel movement.

HOW DOES PREGNANCY AFFECT MY PELVIC FLOOR?

During pregnancy, from as early as twelve weeks in, the hormones released can cause a slackening and weakening of these muscles. This may result in stress incontinence where urine leaks out slightly when you cough, sneeze, or even just move in a particular way.

Up to a third of new mums continue to experience stress incontinence post-birth and they are often told there is nothing they can do about it but this isn’t the case.

A weakened pelvic floor can have bigger consequences later on, such as post-menopause, when a hormonal change causes a further weakening and can lead to prolapses of the pelvic organs which means they push downwards into the wall fo the vagina, which affects up to 40% of women over 50.

WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY PELVIC FLOOR STRONG?

Ask your osteopath, ante-natal class instructor or other health professional for advice on how to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles before and after giving birth. If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms like incontinence or unexplained bleeding, then consult your GP or Obstetrician.

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You can read more about our team of Osteopath’s here or if you would like to book an appointment online click here.

Alternatively, you can call us at the clinic on 03 9908 2844.

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Osteopathy is a hands-on form of treatment for the whole body, including muscles, bones, joints, and all other tissues, including your organs and nervous system, at Middle Park Osteopath Clinic.

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