A Healthy Pelvis After Childbirth
One of the most common injuries that occurs following
pregnancy and childbirth is pelvic organ prolapse. This occurs because the
muscles in the pelvic floor are no longer as strong as they once were, and so
the pelvic organs slip out of their typical locations to cause discomfort or
pain in the woman. Some of the organs that can slip out of place in this manner
include the bladder, the uterus and the rectum.
Although a woman cannot prevent situations such as pelvic
organ prolapse from occurring, it is quite possible to reduce risk factors and
better prepare the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor to handle prolapse
in order to reduce the likelihood of stress from this occurrence. For example:
·
Healthy lifestyle: Certain heathy lifestyle
choices can make a difference in warding off this type of condition. For
example, avoiding constipation through a healthy diet and proper hydration,
avoiding obesity, avoiding chronic cough and avoiding strains or heavy lifting
can all have a positive impact on the body by minimizing issues relating to the
pelvic floor.
·
Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises
can be beneficial during pregnancy as well as before pregnancy. A woman who has
given birth can also benefit from practicing pelvic floor exercises after a
sufficient period of rest. Rest is essential for a woman with a new baby.
·
Rest: Following pregnancy and childbirth, it is
essential for a new mother to rest. During this period of rest, the pelvic
floor muscles and surrounding tissue will be given a chance to return to their
normal tone. It is important for a new mother not to strain herself too often
following childbirth, so that these muscles and ligaments can be given a chance
to rest and relax following the stress of childbirth.
There are steps that a woman can take before pregnancy,
during pregnancy and after childbirth in order to rebuild the strength of the
pelvic floor. Strengthening the pelvic floor is absolutely essential in helping
to reduce the risk factors for pelvic
organ prolapse and similar injuries that can occur to the area.
Not only can a strong pelvic floor help to prevent this type
of condition from occurring, it can also reduce the recovery time required when
a prolapse does occur. As such, it is important for all women who are pregnant
or planning to become pregnant to strengthen their pelvic floor and take steps
to improve overall health prior to childbirth.
In severe cases of prolapse, women may require surgery to
correct the problem. A woman should ask her doctor about traditional surgery
versus the use of transvaginal mesh. Unfortunately, transvaginal mesh has
been linked to serious complications, including organ perforation and mesh
erosion. Women who have been harmed by these dangerous side effects have sought
legal counsel and filed mesh lawsuits.
