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Why Every Woman Should Get a Pelvic Floor Assessment After Childbirth

  • Auria Pelvic Health
  • Mar 31
  • 5 min read

Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences for a woman's body. While the focus often centers on the baby, it’s equally important to prioritize the mother’s recovery and health. During pregnancy and labor, the pelvic floor muscles, which support vital organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum, undergo significant changes. These muscles stretch, and sometimes tear, to accommodate the growing baby, potentially leading to issues like bladder control problems, pelvic pain, and even prolapse.


Many women believe that pelvic floor issues are a normal part of the postpartum experience and will resolve on their own.


While some changes may be temporary, others can persist or worsen if not properly addressed.


That's why scheduling a pelvic floor assessment after childbirth is essential, even if you're not experiencing obvious symptoms.


What is a Pelvic Floor Assessment?


A pelvic floor assessment is a specialized evaluation performed by a trained pelvic health physical therapist or healthcare provider. The assessment involves examining the strength, tone, and function of your pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and overall pelvic stability. The goal is to detect any potential issues early on and address them before they lead to long-term complications.


Why Should You Get a Pelvic Floor Assessment After Childbirth?


1. To Prevent and Address Incontinence


Many women experience urinary incontinence after childbirth, which can range from mild leakage during coughing, sneezing, or laughing, to more significant episodes of bladder leakage. While this is common, it’s not something you should simply accept. A pelvic floor assessment can identify whether your pelvic muscles are weakened or overstretched, and help you work on strengthening them through targeted exercises like Kegel exercises and core strengthening routines. Addressing incontinence early can prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.



2. To Detect and Prevent Pelvic Organ Prolapse


Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken, leading to a descent or bulging of organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum.


This condition can cause discomfort, pressure, and even urinary or bowel issues. It’s important to note that prolapse isn’t just something that happens to older women—childbirth can be a key factor. A pelvic floor assessment can help detect early signs of prolapse and provide strategies for managing or preventing further complications.


3. To Improve Sexual Health and Comfort


Sexual discomfort or pain after childbirth is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Changes in vaginal tone, dryness, and muscle tightness may affect sexual function. A pelvic floor assessment can identify muscle imbalances or tightness that could be contributing to pain or discomfort. Pelvic health therapists can guide you through gentle techniques and exercises to help restore vaginal tone and improve overall sexual health.


4. To Address Pelvic Pain or Discomfort


Whether it’s lingering soreness or pelvic pressure that doesn’t seem to go away, many women experience pelvic pain after childbirth.


This could be the result of muscle tightness, pelvic floor dysfunction, or even scar tissue from tears or an episiotomy. A pelvic floor assessment can help determine the cause of the pain and create a customized treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and restore normal function.


5. To Promote a Stronger Recovery Overall


After childbirth, it’s easy to get caught up in caring for your baby and forget about taking care of your own body. A pelvic floor assessment can help you prioritize your recovery by giving you the tools to heal properly. This includes learning how to engage and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, improve posture, and incorporate other holistic practices that support pelvic health.


 

What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor Assessment


A pelvic floor assessment is a non-invasive and comfortable process. Here’s what you can expect:


  • Initial Discussion: Your provider will ask you about your childbirth experience, including any symptoms like incontinence, pain, or pressure.

  • Physical Exam: The therapist may assess your posture, movement, and core strength. They may also use external techniques to assess the pelvic floor muscles' tone and function.

  • Internal Exam: As long as the person is open to it, an internal exam is highly recommended. It gives a more detailed assessment of what is happening with the pelvic floor and how that could be related to your symptoms (or future symptoms, such as prolapse or incontinence).

  • Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the findings, your provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to optimize your pelvic floor strength, mobility and overall health for now and the years to come.


How to Support Your Pelvic Health Postpartum


While a pelvic floor assessment is crucial, there are several things you can do on your own to support your pelvic health after childbirth:


  1. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Start doing pelvic floor exercises as soon as you're cleared by your healthcare provider. These exercises help rebuild strength and improve bladder control. It’s best to begin these after a thorough evaluation from a pelvic health specialist so you can ensure you are doing the right exercises for your body.

  2. Posture and Body Mechanics: Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting to avoid unnecessary strain on the pelvic floor. Be mindful when lifting your baby or other objects.

  3. Hydrate and Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: Drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods helps prevent constipation, which can strain your pelvic floor muscles.

  4. Take Your Time: Be gentle with your body and give yourself time to heal. Don’t rush back into strenuous physical activities until you’ve been cleared by your pelvic therapist and healthcare provider.


Childbirth is one of life’s most beautiful experiences, but it’s also one of the most physically demanding.


Caring for your pelvic health postpartum is not just about resolving immediate issues; it’s about ensuring your long-term well-being and quality of life.


A pelvic floor assessment plays a vital role in your recovery, helping to identify potential concerns early and providing the guidance you need to heal, strengthen, and maintain your pelvic health.


At Auria Pelvic Health, we are committed to supporting you through every phase of your journey, from pregnancy to postpartum recovery and beyond. If you’ve recently had a baby or are experiencing any pelvic health concerns, we encourage you to schedule a pelvic floor assessment today. Our team of expert therapists is here to help you feel your best.



Auria Pelvic Health

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 412

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone: 213-699-3996


You deserve to feel your best—let us help you get there.




Article Written By Dr. Sasha Speer, DPT


 
 
 

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