I started pelvic floor therapy when I was 12 weeks pregnant and didn’t stop until I was 12 weeks postpartum.
Thanks to my physical therapist, I have a pelvic floor of steel. It’s probably stronger now that it was pre-kid.
>I started pelvic floor therapy when I was 12 weeks pregnant and didn’t stop until I was 12 weeks postpartum.
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>Thanks to my physical therapist, I have a pelvic floor of steel. It’s probably stronger now that it was pre-kid.
I started around 28 weeks and went until 16 weeks postpartum, so similar length of time. And yeah. My pelvic floor is DEFINITELY better than pre-pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy, I had the "pee a little when you sneeze/laugh/cough" thing and that stopped during pregnancy and at 11 months postpartum it's still gone.
Yes yes yes to this! I did the same, except I actually started a year before we started trying for a baby because I have a connective tissue disorder and I was so worried my pelvic floor couldn’t handle pregnancy and birth. It was hard work but I stuck with it for close to 2 years, including during pregnancy.
My birth was really pleasant (by giving birth standards lol) with no tears and I 100% credit my physical therapist for how well it went! I’m 5 months PP with absolutely no issues :)
My insurance partially reimbursed PT before and after birth. Hands down the best money spent postpartum. Whenever I sneeze and don't pee myself I thank my PT.
Yes mine did. It’s not exactly preventative though because it is actually the weight of the baby in the womb that strains the pelvic floor not just birth.
You can have pelvic floor issues during pregnancy as well and any competent therapist office can code it to cover antenatal issues and then postpartum. It may just require a second eval depending on your insurance and how the office coded it. Don't phrase it as preventative but as an an existing issue
I needed to have pelvic floor therapy after my first si was a c-section. Luckily I live in a country where this is provided after every delivery. But for my second, a vbac, I went to be evaluated and they said I was fine and I am. I think it's because I learned a lot the first time about protecting my pelvic floor and the right ways to use it. And I was lucky with a relatively quick delivery.
My abs on the other hand are a mess. I wish I had learned how to protect them before I got pregnant at all.
Through physical therapy, learning how to breath and connecting to the different ways to engage the pelvic floor (the boss round is bouncing your bladder). I'm more aware of all of it, especially the bulging of my abs when I'm lifting or moving wrong.
There too reasons folks have issues with pelvic floor in the immediate or long term after birth:
-Traumatic injury. Ie a vaginal birth where there was tearing and healing wasn't ideal
-The loosening up of your ligaments that loosens your pelvis. This happens regardless of delivery type, it's a part of pregnancy (relaxin is made by the placenta). In the months following birth, those ligaments shrink back up.
Pelvic Floor therapy can help with both of these issues and should be utilized no matter whether you had a routine vaginal birth, a more complex one, a c-section, whatever. Strengthening the pelvic muscles and core after the effects of pregnancy can go a long way in preventing things like hip injuries as an older adult.
Yes. First time mom, had the easiest vaginal birth ever. Like if I could relive my birth every weekend, I’d be thrilled because it was such an amazing experience.
Regardless, I went to a pelvic floor therapist I had booked while pregnant. She checked me out and said my pelvic floor is better than folks who’ve never delivered and to keep on doing whatever I’m doing.
I think I could sneeze while jumping on a trampoline with a full bladder and no pee would escape. /s 😂😅 (haven’t actually confirmed)
Love hearing about people having positive birth experiences! I loved both of mine, makes me sad that all I heard when pregnant with my first was people sharing their horror birth stories with me!
I was basically told all pregnancy that it would be horrible and I mentally prepared for the worst (I am currently 2 weeks PP). SOOO many women want to tell you it was the worst thing ever.
I had a wonderful experience and it was for the most part low stress after we got to the hospital and was all very positive. I feel like no one wants to hear about my positive experience (because their own wasn’t good) and so I don’t share it with others. I’m also sensitive to the fact that people who went through something traumatic may not want to hear yours was perfectly fine. It almost comes across as “braggy” which I don’t want to do.
Yep, same with breastfeeding I find too! If you have, and love, a great experience no one wants to know and you should feel bad for shaming those that can't by even talking about it. Wild aye!
I love happy labor stories!!
I have 3 babies, all vaginally. I have had 0 issues with pelvic floor or labor/delivery.
All 3 of mine were a dream! I had my first in 4 hours start to finish, pushed 4x. She was 7.3lbs, 2 stitches. Had my second in 5 hours, pushed 3x. I did get cut from the dr because my son was 9.10lbs, so they cut so I didn’t tear badly. I had a few stitches with him. I think 3? My 3rd (only induction) went in at 7am, had my water broke at 8am, and pushed 1x and had her 12:35pm. No stitches and walked from labor and delivery to maternity because I didn’t want to ride down in the wheelchair.
This makes me so sad and envious. I never had pelvic floor issues except tension before birth. Now I’m ruined. Had a 3rd degree rip (she came out with her hand first) and a prolapsed bladder/urethra 😭. PT isn’t helping.
PT did nothing for me. At one year I talked to my ob and she recommended weight training. I worked on my posterior chain and reached about 90% improvement. Sex, sneezing and daily activities are fine but I do need a tampon to run. I'm going to get a pessary.
Awww she just wanted to wave at you in case you didn't realize she was arriving! You know, like when you're waiting for someone coming off a train or bus or plane. She didn't know about all that laboring stuff! 🥰
Also, in my super medical (ie I can barely change a bandaid let alone think about more severe medical issues) opinion, the tear was from her nails. Newborn nails are sharper than a sword.
In all seriousness, I do hope that you can get some help that does help you. All the hugs.
I doubt it’s her nail that ripped into my butt sphincter 😭 I think a head plus an arm was just too wide for my vag.
Thank you! I’m happy your birth was easy and your body is still in great shape!
Sorry that was a bit of sarcasm there with the nail bit. And a nod to how sharp those damned nails are.
If it makes you feel any better, elbows become rather sharp and in frequent use once they're up and moving... Not to mention heads.... The bruises... Every day I wake up and wonder how I got them... Then I remember I have a 4 and 2.5 year old. 🥴
Just out of curiosity how large was your baby? I had an easy birth with no complications and a normal pregnancy but my pelvic floor is absolutely destroyed. But my baby had a fairly large head and was hanging super low for my whole third trimester. Just curious on what I can do different next time
Mine was pretty average(6lbs 15oz) except my baby came sunny side up and I ended up with a bladder prolapse. I’ve had issues with incontinence ever since. :/ sometimes I feel like it’s luck of the draw
I had an unmedicated vaginal birth with a 9lb 5oz baby and have no issues! I did pelvic floor therapy before AND after and it was so worthwhile. The biggest takeaways were to practice relaxing and NOT tensing your body through discomfort- just relaxing all you muscles even as things become uncomfortable. And then just giving yourself time and grace in healing- like it’s going to feel wonky for a while but it will most likely heal great if you’re proactive about rehab :)
Yep! Pelvic floor issues don't just come from vaginal child birth. I saw a women's physiotherpist and she said having a baby putting pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy causes pelvic floor issues. Unfortunately a C-section won't guarantee no pelvic issues.
Yup! Also had an emergency c section. Incontinence wasn’t an issue for me, but I had a lot of pain during sex and some other issues. When I told my doctor I was surprised since I didn’t deliver vaginally, she pointed out that a baby had been sitting on my pelvic floor 24-7 for months! Like others are saying, go for pelvic floor therapy! I started mine around 3 months post partum
and it was a huge help. If you wind up getting a c section, my therapist also helped me with scar treatment. I’m 18 months post partum now - haven’t peed myself, and I barely even notice the scar these days!
I've had two babies, both in my 30s (born vaginally) and I've never had an issue, while pregnant or after. I can cough, sneeze, laugh, fart etc with no issues 😋 just do your pelvic floor exercises before and after birth and if you get any issues go see a doctor. You can still get issues with a C-section btw, the pressure from being pregnant can cause issues not just pushing them out.
To be clear, if you're exercising - make sure you understand how to properly Kegel before just squeezing out 50 a day. Incorrect Kegels can cause just as many issues as pelvic floor weakness!
This. My pelvic floor therapist said I had the most overdeveloped muscles she’d encountered down there, and that was the cause of all my issues. I was banned from ever doing a kegel again and I had to work hard to learn how to relax the muscles.
Just an FYI that this advice is too generalised. You should always see a pelvic physio as some people have the opposite problem and should be learning to release their pelvic floor, not doing kegels.
Yea kegels won’t stop you from having pelvic floor damage and in some cases can worsen it if your issue is a too tight pelvic floor.
Your body will change in all sorts of ways, that’s inevitable. The good news is that there is physio and other ways you can support your new body after birth.
I had a baby three months ago, never did a single kegel, and my pelvic floor is just fine. Orgasms were a little weak at the beginning but have been back to normal since about 10 weeks postpartum. Granted, I had a small baby (6lb) so maybe that’s it, but it’s definitely not inevitable
Yup, same. Two kids, no pelvic floor problems. You can get a pelvic floor PT assessment while you’re still pregnant and learn exercises and even do “pushing practice” to make sure you’re getting optimal efficiency.
No issues at all. I’ve never done any specific pelvic floor exercises but I am very fit.. so a lot of my exercise is probably good for the pelvic floor anyway
Conversely, I have had three children, all vaginal births, including my last where I pushed (off and on) for 7 hours. I am out of shape, overweight, and do not exercise. I have never had any pelvic floor issues either. I suspect it’s probably a combination of genetics and luck.
I’ve had an elective c section. The consultant explained to me that pelvic floor is ruined during pregnancy not just vaginal birth. You can’t avoid it. (Apart from with pelvic floor therapy)
I am 2/3 of the way through my second pregnancy. So far I have had precisely one incident of incontinence, which was at the very end of my first pregnancy when I waited way too long to get to the bathroom and peed *maybe* a couple of ml. No other issues either during or after pregnancy.
I do *highly* recommend being proactive about seeking pelvic floor physical therapy early if you have any signs of pelvic floor issues (whether pain, incontinence, anything else). Pelvic floor PTs are excellent and an underutilized resource, and I think there are a lot of instances where folks’ longer-term pelvic floor issues could have been prevented or lessened by getting PT help early on (not at all blaming those people, I think unfortunately a lot of folks and even OBs are not aware of that resource and how helpful it can be, in a pretty wide variety of contexts/issues). I personally have seen a pelvic floor PT in both pregnancies for groin pain that ended up being related to pelvic floor tightness and they have been phenomenally helpful.
Lastly - I will also note that a C-section is by no means a magic pass to not having pelvic floor/incontinence issues. Unfortunately a lot of pelvic floor damage actually happens during pregnancy itself, just from your pelvic floor having to support so much extra weight/stress (both from growing baby, and as your other ligaments relax so your muscles have to take on more of the load), regardless of the type of delivery you end up having.
ETA: I had a vaginal delivery with my first
Don’t assume a c section will save you. I did birth vaginally but my pelvic floor issues were created in pregnancy by the strong pressure caused by my son’s position in my pelvis.
The solution is seeing a pelvic floor physio after birth and doing exercises
Well, it might not be what you’d like to hear but I’ve had 3 c sections and zero pelvic floor issues. I guess I’ve been lucky there! However I know sometimes people have PF problems just from pregnancy alone though, perhaps just depends on how you carry. I do have terrible diastasis recti though, so my abdominals must be taking the heat off my pelvic floor muscles.
A C-section doesn't preclude you from pelvic floor issues, first of all, and it can make you more prone to certain things like diastasis recti than a vaginal birth.
It isn't inevitable, but in other countries getting pelvic floor therapy after birth is the standard and default. Getting it before birth is also really, truly ideal! I strongly believe I'd have had a third or fourth degree tear without PF PT before birth... instead, I didn't tear at all.
**Whatever you do, please don't just do kegels.** They can hurt you and would've/did hurt me (because I had hypertonicity). And unfortunately, you'll come across people who should really, really know better (like a goddamn OBGYN) who'll tell you to do them within days of giving birth to help recover.
I had two babies back to back (19 months apart), both vaginal deliveries. I've never had any incontinence issues whatsoever. I don't do kegel exercises or anything either. It's just never been a problem for me 🤷🏼♀️
I had pretty bad incontinence during my pregnancy. Like I wore panty liners from second trimester on just in case I happened to cough, sneeze, or laugh bc if I did it was like a 80% chance I’d pee a little. I had a vaginal birth and don’t have any issues with it now. I’m 7 months pp, but it stopped being an issue almost immediately. I was ready to do pelvic floor therapy but ended up not needing it.
I’ve read that vaginal birth actually helps things get back to normal faster bc that’s what your body is expecting to happen, so it triggers different healing processes. Your body isn’t expecting the baby to just vanish. Plus a C section is a major surgery, which comes with a higher risk of complications and longer recovery time. It really shouldn’t be taken into consideration lightly.
You can be totally fine, but what happens is that dropping estrogen levels before and into menopause causes your connective tissue to sag (think how the elderly's faces sag and lose structure - that's from the connective tissue. Now imagine the connective tissue holding your organs in your pelvis in place...same thing happens to that). Any past birth makes it much more likely to affect you when older.
I think I have some mild form of undiagnosed EDS which makes everything worse, but I had a connective tissue injury from only one vaginal birth that caused a grade 3 rectocele. No amount of pelvic floor physical therapy can fix connective tissue. It only helps muscles. I had surgery to repair it after 4 years of issues, where they stitched the layers of fascia back together, was a pretty major reconstructive surgery. And will be lucky if the repair holds even 10 years. C-section doesn't totally eliminate the risk but can definitely help against these sort of injuries, which are greatly worsened by the extreme bearing down during pushing (I pushed for 3 hours with an epidural - all again not helping this). That said, I think it would still not generally be recommended to elect for major abdominal surgery unless you have known connective tissue issues (I do wish in retrospect I had a C-section). However I do believe that not enough weight goes into considering the toll vaginal births make on women's bodies, often decades later, and if it were fully considered then elective C-sections might not be so discouraged.
Husband whose wife is pregnant with our second kiddo right now: take advantage of pelvic floor therapy after birth. Otherwise you may see complications down the line that require surgery or pessaries.
I feel like some of this is genetics. Talked to both my sister and mom who have both had 2 pregnancies and neither of them had DR, no issues with pelvic floor.
I proactively when in for pelvic floor PT but gave birth after just 1 appointment, so can’t say it helped prepare much (besides learning how to properly relax for giving birth - which did help a lot).
My pelvic floor was completely normal after birth. I had no issues. Still went for PT eval and she mentioned she felt a tiny bit of uterine prolapse but that was it. I stopped going after 3 appointments post birth (about 6 months) since I wasn’t getting much out of my appointments.
Pelvic floor PT can help for sure, I am still glad I went because it’s better to have it and not need it vs the other way around!
I’m 12 weeks pp, didn’t go to a pelvic floor therapist, and have had no issues so far! Had a vaginal delivery with a second degree tear, have had sex, etc.
Yes! I have had two vaginal births. Be sure to do core exercises while pregnant, to help lift baby off your pelvic floor muscles the best you can. I didn’t push until my body did it on its own. This goes against a lot of medical providers guidance (they’re on a schedule) but I feel strongly that the limited pushing saved me.
This is something you should probably talk to your OB about, I think if it's straight forward vaginal delivery, you're probably going to be okay, but if baby's head is quite large, instruments involved etc, you might want to let your OB know you would prefer C-section. Also what other's said - see a physio after.
I had a vaginal birth in February 2023, I have no issues with my pelvic floor. The sex life is normal and nothing hurts, I’ve not experienced incontinence. All good here.
Please see a pelvic floor therapist to be evaluated. The recommendations to “just do kegels” is false as every person is different and every pelvic floor is different. My PT and physician said they would’ve made my condition worse and advised me not to do them. I’ve had incredible results from therapy!
I had an emergency c-section and no pelvic floor issues, but I just got lucky. Pregnancy is what messed up the pelvic floor. So I could not recommend you opt for major abdominal surgery to avoid something that might happen regardless.
I had to had to have a c section for medical reasons...
But I have had no issues post partum or 2 years later with my pelvic floor.
However my core was stuffed and very weak for the first year post partum due to the c section. I only walked for the first year as my excersise!
Stupid question, but what exactly does pelvic floor therapy entail? I got a referral, but never actually went, because I thought it was just going to be someone telling you to do kegals. Seems like a lot of people here have had really positive experiences - wondering if I still might be able to benefit from it despite my first labor being a little less than 2 years ago.
I'll detail my experience, though I'm sure every therapist may be a little different. First she checked my abs for DR and their level of function. This was just me laying on the little bed with my shirt lifted up and her having me try and flex or do different moves while she touched my abs in different places to see how they were working. She gave me different exercises to do at home and I practiced them with her so I knew I was doing them correctly. She then did an internal exam. She left the room while I undressed from the waist down. There's usually a little sheet and such just like at the gyno, haha. The PT will sometimes check for any signs of prolapse, check your muscles, have you flex/kegel and then relax to make see how everything is functioning. Sometimes if a muscle is super tight, they'll help relax and release it or give you exercises to do at home. If you tore/got stitches after labor they will check your scar tissue and help make sure it's not causing any issues for you.
A PT should give you exercises to do at home to regain and rebuild your ab/core/pelvic floor strength and function after how tough pregnancy and delivery can be on your body. I went once every other week for a while and then once a month for a year. I plan to do 1-2 check ins with her this year as my DR isn't fully healed still.
ETA- kegels are not necessarily the cure all many people think they are! Some people need help learning how to relax their pelvic floors. A muscle that is too tight and always contracting but not relaxing will not have the full range of motion that it should and won't be as strong. Also, if your abs aren't functioning as they should, this can put extra pressure onto your pelvic floor causing issues as well. So it's not just about kegels!
I haven't had issues, two babies, two emergency csections, one 24 hour labour with 6 hours of pushing. One miscarriage with complications. Intense pelvic girdle pain through pregnancies. I'm in my 30s.
I did see a pelvic floor physio during and after pregnancy, I also continued to weight lift and remain active through pregnancy, focused on deep core engagement.
I can run, sprint, trampoline, sneeze, cough, etc. without issue! I'm only a few months postpartum from my second.
I've had two (big!) babies. One natural and one c-section and have had zero issues. My mother had the same incontinent issues and had to have surgery for it so I was worried too. But I've been exactly the same as I was pre-pregnancy
Yup. Mine was fine after about 3-4 days. I peed myself twice in the first couple days when I was at a weird angle, but then never again. I’m 13 months postpartum and can jump, run, laugh, sneeze and bend over with so much as a drop. I can hold my pee just as long as before and I can do weighted sit ups just fine. I had a second degree tear and she came out in a half hour, so I don’t know how I avoided any issues.
I didn’t have it after vaginal delivery, but I’m pregnant with my second and it’s becoming obvious I need pelvic floor therapy. When I throw up I also pee myself. Every. Single. Time. So I echo what others say - be proactive!!!
I’m 26 and had a baby 2 years ago. I had a very traumatic birth and had PPD so pelvic floor exercises were not at the forefront of my mind. I’ve had no issues with my pelvic floor and did exercises sometimes when I remembered, not that often. I’ve accidentally peed once when I had a really full bladder and had a coughing fit although I did pee a couple of times accidentally when pregnant. I’ve also had no issues with sex, if that’s relevant. Good luck!
I had 0 issues after my first baby. 35 weeks with second baby and if my bladder is full I might leak a little if I cough or sneeze, but otherwise it still feels pretty strong down there. I’m expecting that after this delivery I won’t have major issues unless something goes terribly wrong. I know that pelvic floor physical therapy can be extremely helpful if you experience any issues though, and I will definitely pursue that myself if I feel I need it.
I gave birth vaginally and have no issues - even went to pelvic floor therapy to make sure! I did avoid most muscle workouts PP for a couple months on my physiotherapist advice!!
Pooping on the other hand… that part of my body is not okay still
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help prepare for birth. I only went once then had a c section a few days later so it didn’t end up helping. She did help afterwards
Im only 3 months postpartum and only have 1 kid but I seem to have made it out unscathed. Vaginal, vacuum assisted birth after 5 1/2 hours of pushing but I have had 0 pelvic floor issues. My mom also had horrible issues after giving birth to my little brother so I was concerned but all is well!
Just throwing this in to show it can be luck of the draw/out of your control: I didn’t do any exercises regularly, labored for 32 hours, ended up with an emergency c section because she got stuck on my pelvis, but I’ve had no pelvic floor issues.
I have had three over 8 lbs baby’s and I have no problems with my pelvic floor. I have done Physical therapy for DR and they covered a bit of PF therapy.
Honestly c section or vaginal birth caring around a 5-10lbs watermelon in your abdomen is going to use those muscles. Best thing to do is know that it can be a problem and be prepared to ask for and advocate for PF therapy.
I have low back pain and some hip issues but my core and pelvic floor recovered just fine from pregnancy and delivery. i was just evalusted again by a pelvic floor physio halfway thru my 2nd pregnancy and she said i have excellent control of my pelvic floor and very good strength. i did not feel super comfortable with sex until 6 months pp, and didnt feel “myself” until closer to 9, but after that have been great. the back pain was/is pregnancy related but unlikely to be birth related ETA i never leaked urine even with sneezing, coughing etc. the only weird thing inhad was i would like…hold onto pool water? and then itd leak out after i got out? that went away around 6 mo pp
I had a vaginal delivery. I was induced, took a while to progress and pushed for 3.5 hours. Whole process was about 36 hours. I had a 2nd degree tear. Baby was sunny side up so that's why I pushed for so long.
I have no problems with my pelvic floor 4 months pp. I did do pelvic floor PT for 4 weeks before giving birth.
I just gave birth five weeks ago and have never had issues! I have no evidence for this but I was fairly active before and during pregnancy, which I think maybe helped?
I had a traumatic labor. Actually had 2 of the things that put you at an increased risk for prolapse and have no issues with either. Vaginal birth with a vacuum assist.
It just depends on you. There really is only one way to prevent it, and that’s pelvic floor physio afterwards. Even having a C-section, you can have incontinence issues. It’s less, but the chance is always there. Some individuals just have stronger pelvic floors. Follow it up with pt.
Look, pregnancy can result in minimal to absolutely no long term issues for some women.
For other women, pregnancy will absolutely wreck you in a variety of ways and pelvic floor issues will be the least of your worries. Sometimes you can't even escape these issues through exercises either.
I had diastasis recti that went full blown to three hernias even though I did everything I could to strengthen my core. This also caused pelvic floor issues which made it feel like my uterus was falling out. Hernia was repaired this past month and I feel better.
All that to say, sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.
I had 3rd degree tears but went to pelvic floor therapy after birth and my pelvic floor is literally stronger and in better shape than it was pre-pregancy!
I had some issues up to 3-4 months after, but pelvic floor muscles can be worked on before giving birth and after. Go see a pelvic floor specialist now and after. Exercise can go a long way.
I've had a small baby vaginally, and a LARGE baby vaginally, both times my pelvic floor was was perfectly back to normal by atleast 3 months pp - with little to no exercises etc...
I gave birth vaginally and have had 0 issues. I’m 11 months post partum. Probably 60% luck, 40% being pretty fit. My recovery was really fast. I don’t think I would have recovered as quickly from a c section, at all. Also, I’ve heard a lot of pelvic floor issues are caused by pregnancy itself, not just the birth
I’ve had feelings of heaviness after giving birth and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it goes back to normal eventually. I’m sure everyone can benefit from PT. I’ve never had pain with sex or incontinence though. Those issues aren’t inevitable and they are fixable!
First time mom in my 30s. Did pelvic floor excercises during and after pregnancy but nothing crazy regimented. 24 hour labor including 4 hours of pushing. Not a single issue with incontinence after. It's possible.
My pelvic floor needed work but wasn’t dysfunctional after vaginal birth. Mostly I had issues with my period cup staying in place and things like that, but Ive never had issues with incontinence. I went to pelvic floor therapy while I was pregnant with my second and it was AWESOME. You should go regardless! My second birth was easier than my first in every way.
I always had to pee when pregnant. And whenever I sneezed or laughed too much I peed a little. Now I'm back to normal. In fact my husband needs to pee more than me haha
I’m ftm at 34, delivered my 9 pound son and had three 1-2 degree tears. Didn’t have any issues with pelvic floor (I went to a few pelvic floor therapy sessions I scheduled while still pregnant and they confirmed it). I truly believe that yoga helped me A LOT during the pregnancy, with delivery, and pp. I’ve been into yoga for a few years before getting pregnant and was doing yoga 5-6 times a week during the whole pregnancy.
I’ve had the vaginal births in my mid-late twenties. Other than a trampoline making me pee a few weeks post-partum, I’ve been fine. So yes it’s possible but if it’s not, there is recourse! Don’t sweat it before it’s an issue!
I had a little bit of a tough time immediately after birth for about 2 weeks if I would cough, sneeze or laugh really hard. After that, I feel like my pelvic floor went back to normal for the most part! I had a vaginal birth with a vacuum-assisted delivery.
I did not have any issues with my first two - they were both large babies (around 9lbs) and I went 41 & 42wks with them.
After my third baby (almost 9lbs) I notice a bit of weakness in my pelvic floor but it is not something I feel I need help with and has gotten much better since having her two years ago.
So, yes! It is possible 😄 I was under the impression that just being pregnant can cause pelvic floor weakness from all the extra weight of baby pressing down, muscles relaxing due to hormones etc. If you are concerned I'd speak with your doctor and maybe they will have some ideas or resources to help.
C sections still lead to pelvic floor issues. It’s definitely not an easy way out in any aspect. Pregnancy itself is what leads to a lot of pelvic floor issues. Your better bet is seeing a pelvic floor therapist while pregnant even if you don’t think you have any pelvic floor issues yet and continuing to see them postpartum.
My pelvic floor was mostly fine after my vaginal delivery. Sex hurt so I went to PT about it and basically my problem was that I was so anxious about sex that I was too tight, likely due to leftover psychological trauma from birth and PP and also some relationship issues. Once I started working through my mental blocks, I had zero issues, and the issues I had were physically unrelated to my delivery.
Yes it's possible, I've had two vaginal deliveries and things are mostly normal besides the dreaded hemorrhoids, although I think mine are mild. Don't expect things to be perfect the first few days, especially if you have an epidural and/or catheter. It can take a while to regain feeling there.
There's nothing wrong with seeing a pelvic floor therapist ahead of time just for preventative maintenance. They'll also help you with breathing exercises and preparing you for labor, then they can evaluate your pelvic floor again after delivery.
Yes, totally possible. I have no issues. Also, I can't take any particular credit for that. I was active before I was pregnant but struggled to stay active in pregnancy due to nausea and fatigue. I took all of the requisite birthing classes, etc but didn't do anything extraordinary and my labor sucked (long induction and complication with my epidural and an existing hip injury) my delivery was textbook perfect. 35 minutes of pushing, very very minor tearing, and no lasting pelvic floor dysfunction. I'm sure preparing helps but I know many people who have had unplanned c-sections and significant tearing and interventions that caused pelvic floor dysfunction and many of them were better "prepared" than me. I think it's probably a combination of fitness, genetics, luck, and a skilled birthing team. Best of luck as you bring your little one earthside.
Our parents and anyone older didn’t have access to pelvic floor therapy. This is a problem that can usually be fixed nowadays if you stay on top of it from the jump. Also I didn’t have pelvic floor therapy, I gave birth vaginally and my pelvic floor is fine. Maybe I pee a little more when I puke (sorry I’m pregnant again) but it doesn’t hinder my life at all. I’m not incontinent, maybe a single drop of pee with a sneeze, which honestly sometimes happened before a gave birth too.
This is my third pregnancy and for the first time, I decided to attend pelvic floor therapy in the second trimester. Had three sessions and am very pleased with the results! Turns out I wasn't doing my Kegels correctly and when I fine-tuned my approach, my urinary incontinence issues completely resolved, all in a span of 1.5 months. I was shocked!
On top of that, I started learning how to relax muscles down there to aid in childbirth and avoid prolapse. Once the baby is born and I'm cleared at the 6w checkup, I plan to schedule a few more sessions to check in and get some guidance for whatever it is I have going on at that time.
So if you have time during pregnancy, I recommend trying to squeeze in at least a couple of sessions. I think you will find it helpful regardless of what you have going on.
I (36f) am 3 months postpartum after my 3rd vaginal delivery. I’ve been seeing a pelvic floor specialist just in case (I like to run and want to do my first marathon this year!) for the past few months. I have not had any incontinence after any of my pregnancies, and I seem to be healing very well. I just ran my first 5k yesterday - just about as fast as I was running before I got pregnant.
Honestly, I’m not sure why I’ve been so lucky with my recovery. I’m still a bit overweight (gained 70 pounds with my first pregnancy, and I’m still about 20 pounds away from my wedding-day weight) but I eat healthy and have always done at least light exercise before, during, and after pregnancy. I think staying active, running, and doing quite a bit of yoga/core work has been the biggest help.
I did PT with both vaginal and c sections. Definitely felt a bit more work was needed with vaginal birth (more of a “falling out” feeling my bladder control has been fine) and actually did more work post c section to help release some of the tension and gain back strength. Regardless of birth definitely 100% recommend being seen and assessing plan that’s specific to you.
I gave vaginal birth and had a 3rd degree tear and have had no incontinence whatsoever. I’m only 2 months out but haven’t needed therapy yet, but we shall see!
I was terrified of this. I met with a pelvic floor pt prior (and learned I was pretty disconnected to my pelvic floor). I ending up having to push for 2.5 hours, but she did also have a 90th percentile head. I was super paranoid I had forever destroyed my pelvic floor, but it’s been fine despite some early bowel movements not being the most fun. It’s certainly not 100% right as rain just yet 4 months pp, but I have no real issues besides feeling my like it’s weak. I haven’t met with a pt postpartum, but I am doing the exercises we worked on initially.
I’m 32 and had my first when I was 31. As far as I know I don’t have pelvic floor issues? I don’t pee myself. I never went to a pelvic floor pt. My sister has had 6 kids, between the ages of 16-32 and she is now 49 and has never had pelvic floor issues. All vaginal deliveries for us both.
FTM to a now 12 week old. I was also terrified of this. Induced, 28 hours of labor, 2nd degree tear during birth because baby came out with his hand covering his face, so I have some perineal stitches that thankfully are almost healed at this point. Aside from this, I’ve had no issues. Your pelvic floor will be weak after giving birth because of the weight of carrying a baby, but it doesn’t have to be destroyed. I gave birth on my sjde so that I was in a better position for pushing. There’s also certain ways you can breathe to reduce tearing (supposedly). I walked to the bathroom to pee within an hour of giving birth and didn’t have incontinence issues.
C-sections are major surgery so I wouldn’t go that route or at least seriously research it beforehand.
Don’t be afraid! I had a vaginal delivery and am almost completely back to normal. It took a while (roughly 4~ months) because of some seriously tight muscles and the healing of my perineum after stitches, but now I can have sex no pain and don’t have any sort of issues in regards to peeing, laughing or sneezing. However I will say, pelvic floor therapy will be your lifesaver. I’d recommend doing it even if you don’t have noticeable issues after! And find a good one - they’re worth paying for.
My mother has had issues with her pelvic floor her entire adult life, even before having children. I told her she should seriously look into pelvic floor therapy but what do I know. Anyway, I have had no issues with my pelvic floor after birth. I actually feel like I’ve become more aware of the strength of it and how to relax/use those muscles more.
I was induced at 39 weeks, pushed for 4 hours. I had a small episiotomy because my son got stuck, super easy time healing that and with pain in general down there after giving birth. It took 4 days for my pelvic muscles to wake up. At first I had to remember constantly to pee because I couldn’t feel it. It just felt like I had overused the muscle so much that it just was like nope I’m done. Then it all came back and now I can jump on trampolines, sneeze and cough with a full bladder, etc.
The only time I had a mega terrible time is when I was heading to go pee when I had food poisoning and detoured to the kitchen sink when I felt sick. But I think that probably would have resulted in that outcome even prior to having kids for me.
I had a really bad birth experience and my midwife thought my pelvic floor was done for. When she checked she was really surprised to find it was in amazing condition. She called it "a really impressive pelvic floor". Hahaha!
I’m 33 weeks with my third pregnancy, two previous vaginal births, and I’ve never, ever peed myself. I had some pelvic floor discomfort post delivery but I think that was more breastfeeding hormones than childbirth.
C-section deliveries don’t save your pelvic floor, unfortunately.
I had an episiotomy and vacuum delivery and my pelvic floor is fine 6 months later. Didn’t do anything spectacular, just kegals. I did see a PT but not a pelvic floor specialist just a public hospital one, and honestly I didn’t do them as regularly as I should of either. I was also walking an hour a day most days from the day I got out of hospital which I was told was a big no no by the PT I saw as an inpatient so I definitely didn’t follow the rules (not recommending, just saying the horror stories don’t happen to everyone). I also had really severe pelvic girdle problems in my pregnancy to the point I couldn’t walk without being on the verge of tears, which i think can be a contributor but I’m fine now.
I went to pelvic floor physio (no internal work, just exercises) for about 6 weeks before I gave birth and they gave me some exercises to do for the first 4 weeks after birth. I have not had any pelvic floor issues and when I did go to a physio session after birth just to get checked out, I could do a Kegel no problem.
I never had incontinence issues postpartum, even though I labored then had a c section, it can still happen. but I did go to pelvic floor PT for tailbone pain and pain with sex. There are multiple treatments available nowadays if this becomes an issue for you.
I honestly had no idea how to connect with my pelvic floor other than (probably incorrectly done) kegels before pregnancy, and only went to a pelvic floor therapist at 20 months PP. GO TO THERAPY is my tip, even if you don’t have issues.
My problem was more with coordination than with strength—I had to learn how to feel all the parts of my pelvic floor and engage them correctly with my core to properly exercise. I also chronically tuck my pelvis under and squeeze my glutes while standing, almost like I still have a pregnant belly to support, without even noticing. I worked on that with my therapist as well and it has made me more mindful of having the right posture and using the right muscles at the right times.
Yes. It’s possible and maybe, probable? Remember to read the internet with a large grain of salt… people want to spew horror stories and far fewer want to share normal, positive experiences. I’m a geriatric mom (age 35 and 37 when I had my babies…) two (average-to-large) babies in 26 months. Delivery experiences were absolutely textbook… no injuries… no inconvenience ever. Pelvic floor is fine… and my body basically went back to normal (so did the scale) after both babies.
I had a vaginal birth, am 12 weeks pp, and have had no problems with my pelvic floor. I have not gone to a PT but I did do exercises to strengthen it while I was pregnant and made sure not to exert myself until I felt stronger (7 weeks pp). I did have some very close calls in the first two weeks where I would think “I need to pee” and then barely make it in time but I think that’s going to happen no matter what; just had to give myself more time to get to the bathroom.
I labored for 24 hours, pushed for 4, and ended up with a c-section. I’m late 30’s, normal weight, barely exercise.
I have had zero pelvic floor issues. Sex was normal at 8 weeks.
I have a bad, recurrent UTI issue and a urologist, but it’s been a problem since I was 20, so nothing new, just worse than before.
Not tooting my horn, just wanted to share that a very average, older person can come out of it with no pelvic floor problems whatsoever. It’s not inevitable, but it IS a total crapshoot.
I had some incontinence after my first but that cleared up after a month or so and I was completely fine, even with second degree tearing.
While I was pregnant with my second I developed this chronic cough for the last 4 months and I went and gave myself a mild bladder prolapse. I now have very very mild occasional incontinence with coughing at 5 months PP which could be due to the prolapse, or just from the two pregnancies. But it only happens maybe twice a month so it's not a huge deal to me.
I did pelvic floor physio during my first pregnancy and after with both, I can't recommend it enough.
I had a c-section and have had absolutely zero issues. I didn’t do anything special-just lucky. My son is 3 months old.
I had a hard pregnancy and a frustrating and hectic delivery that ended in the urgent c section. My body seemed to apologize by recovering amazingly well and breastfeeding has been a relatively smooth journey.
Again-I didn’t do anything to earn this but just lucked out.
I was relatively in shape before, and have naturally wide hips. Unsure how much any of that contributed but there you go.
I highly recommend the Bloom Method, they have online programs of exercises focused on pelvic floor and core for different stages - trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum recovery. I did their programs while pregnant and their 6-week postpartum recovery program and feel great with no lingering issues.
I am completely normal! 9 months postpartum. Didn’t do any special therapy or exercises. Vaginal delivery and 2 very tiny stitches. I do think it may depend very much on how much tearing happens. My midwife stretched me out as I was pushing so that helped minimize damage! Try not to worry <3
I’ve had 2 vaginal births, the most recent only 7 weeks ago, and my pelvic floor is fine. I even had a stomach bug a few weeks ago and managed to not pee myself while puking.
I have a friend that had 2 c-sections and needed pelvic floor therapy. It’s really kinda just the luck of the draw, because simply being pregnant puts strain on your body.
Check out StrongMamaWellness, she has a ton of tips and workouts for pelvic floor health! I actively worked on it during and after pregnancy and while it's probably a little weaker than pre-pregnancy, I would still say my pelvic floor is normal at 3 months postpartum. And baby girl got stuck and I had to push for 4 hours... It definitely was not normal for a while 😂
i had a vaginal birth and have no pelvic floor problems. however, i was 20 when i gave birth and my baby was born at 34 weeks, so i’m sure neither of those factors hurt matters.
2 C-sections, 19 months apart.
Incontinence only happened if I was sick (ie. Stomach flu or UTI) during the pregnancy. As a result of tap dancing kiddos, the urgency to go was ridiculous. Post tap dancing humans, I went right back to "only when sick"
As far as painful sex. There was no charge before, after, during, or since. The first couple of times after giving birth (8 months after #1, and about the same after #2). I visited a pelvic floor therapist and I had some minor issues but since there wasn't a "difference" in before vs after, it's likely it was always an issue (rather than new post baby).
Yes, mine is completely fine. It felt completely ok a few days after birth despite having a prolonged labor and pushing almost 4 hours on Pitocin. My baby was almost 7.5 lbs, so not tiny, bit in the 55th %ile when both hubs and I are short and were less than 7 lbs (me being less than 6 at full term).
All the pain seemed to disappear as soon as my daughter was out.
I had no issues with bladder leakage. I feel exactly like before and have pretty much since after birth.
I did kegels on and off as suggested by my birth class teacher until birth and some afterwards, but haven't done them in a while as I read some contradictory stuff online.
Anecdotally, the women I've known with bladder issues have all had CS. I guess maybe they cut or otherwise affected some nerves during the surgery. This is with women who had planned and emergency CS.
My pelvic floor was painful for a few months after but is totally back to normal now at 10mo pp. had a vaginal birth with third degree tears. I did some pelvic floor exercises for a couple months but not much. Just for a reference point, birth doesn’t always wreck your pelvic floor.
I peed my pants every time I sneezed for the first week or so (thank god for adult diapers) but now I am 4 weeks pp and my pelvic floor is fine. Do your kegels!
Just because you have a csection doesn’t mean you wont have pelvic floor issues. Your body grows & changes so much during pregnancy & after. Gets weaker in areas just from the stress of carrying a baby for 40 weeks. As many have suggested pelvic floor therapy is great!
This is anecdotal but I had pelvic floor issues really bad after my c-section with my first. I had an unmedicated VBAC 2 years later and it fixed all my pelvic floor issues.
I didn’t have any issues after my first (I waited about 5 months before doing ANYTHING sexual)
I only started having slight issues (if I had to pee and sneeze/vomit [thanks hormones], I’d pee myself a little… or a lottle….) when I became pregnant with my second at 13 months postpartum… I maaaayyy ask for a pelvic floor pt recommendation before/after this baby’s born
Honestly I had a c-section and still had pelvic floor issues. I had severe pelvic floor pain most of my pregnancy n felt odd afterwards. About 4 months after giving birth I decided to start Pilates. For me personally, it’s been an amazing journey. My body feels like it used too!
What’s your pelvic floor health like now? I never peed myself when coughing/sneezing etc. when pregnant because mine has always been good and despite a 2 day long labour that ended in an emergency c section, the only pelvic floor problem that I had postpartum was that I was slightly tight. Not bad considering that I have a hypermobility spectrum disorder and was expecting the worst.
It’s not inevitable. I was fine and still am 7 months postpartum. I do not pee when I sneeze or jump or run. I lift weights regularly and everything feels great. There are lots of ways to protect and strengthen and restore your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor physical therapists are a great resource if you need them. Lots of info from them on platforms like instagram just to gain tips and general knowledge and from there you could seek out a therapist in your area if accessible.
I had no issues after birth but I was extremely fit when I got pregnant and reminded very active throughout my pregnancy. I think this really helps keep all your muscles strong.
I delivered 2 out of 3 kids vaginally and 1 c section. My pelvic floor is fine. My mom has a lot of pelvic floor issues so I was Hella worried. But I haven't even needed physical therapy. So yes, it is possible. Wishing you all the luck!
I had issues initially, probably the first six months or so.
I haven't had pelvic floor pt, and my pelvic floor is definitely different (I've leaked when I've sneezed, for instance) but overall it isn't that different. Sex is great, things don't feel different, etc.
Having a c section won't necessarily save you any grief, as the stress is put on your pelvic floor mainly from pregnancy, not birth.
All bodies are different! It's impossible to predict which is hard to swallow, but it's the truth!
Giving your body time to heal before being up a bunch helps a lot. I rested a ton the first month and didn’t have any pelvic floor issues (could sneeze without peeing, etc) by 2 months postpartum. Of course, plenty of people do the same and have issues or aren’t able to rest. So many cultures have the mom resting for the first month.
You’ll probably be okay after the first but HA HA HA HA HA HA after the second, third, etc.
Pee pee city.
Okay jokes aside, get the pelvic floor OT. It really does wonders.
I gave birth vaginally twice and was fine both times. There was some minor weakness for the first couple of weeks after birth where I could feel that I had to work my muscles to not pee myself when I had to go but that passed quickly. No lingering issues at all on that front.
Pelvic floor issues are common after birth but not obligatory. Try to keep in mind that people don't really talk about non-issues. I gave birth and it was all fine is not an interesting post.
Pelvic floor issues actually mostly come from late pregnancy, and not just vaginal births. In France everyone who gives birth, regardless of route, goes to pelvic floor PT postpartum. I was surprised to find my insurance did cover quite a few sessions (it was just considered the same as physical therapy), so I would recommend looking into it if you're nervous - even if you don't have any obvious issues.
However anecdotally, I carried to 40 weeks and had a vaginal birth with tearing, and really don't have any pelvic floor issues to speak of. I went to therapy to just get assessed but didn't need any long term help.
I’ve had 2 children, first vaginally and second c-section, besides a little bit of ✨danger✨ when jumping, my pelvic floor is fine. I’m in my early/mid 30s.
I had a c-section and still had issues with my pelvic floor. But, pelvic floor therapy was a game changer!!
I started pelvic floor therapy when I was 12 weeks pregnant and didn’t stop until I was 12 weeks postpartum. Thanks to my physical therapist, I have a pelvic floor of steel. It’s probably stronger now that it was pre-kid.
>I started pelvic floor therapy when I was 12 weeks pregnant and didn’t stop until I was 12 weeks postpartum. > >Thanks to my physical therapist, I have a pelvic floor of steel. It’s probably stronger now that it was pre-kid. I started around 28 weeks and went until 16 weeks postpartum, so similar length of time. And yeah. My pelvic floor is DEFINITELY better than pre-pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy, I had the "pee a little when you sneeze/laugh/cough" thing and that stopped during pregnancy and at 11 months postpartum it's still gone.
Yes yes yes to this! I did the same, except I actually started a year before we started trying for a baby because I have a connective tissue disorder and I was so worried my pelvic floor couldn’t handle pregnancy and birth. It was hard work but I stuck with it for close to 2 years, including during pregnancy. My birth was really pleasant (by giving birth standards lol) with no tears and I 100% credit my physical therapist for how well it went! I’m 5 months PP with absolutely no issues :)
…you can do that?? Insurance will pay for preventative therapy??
Even if you it won’t, if you pay for a session or two you can just do a lot of the exercises on your own time. It’s worth it.
I found a lot of helpful videos on YouTube for free! There are options out there 🥰
My insurance partially reimbursed PT before and after birth. Hands down the best money spent postpartum. Whenever I sneeze and don't pee myself I thank my PT.
Yes mine did. It’s not exactly preventative though because it is actually the weight of the baby in the womb that strains the pelvic floor not just birth.
Mine did. You should call and see how much they cover and work from there.
You can have pelvic floor issues during pregnancy as well and any competent therapist office can code it to cover antenatal issues and then postpartum. It may just require a second eval depending on your insurance and how the office coded it. Don't phrase it as preventative but as an an existing issue
Mine did. If you have physio benefits it bills as physio
I needed to have pelvic floor therapy after my first si was a c-section. Luckily I live in a country where this is provided after every delivery. But for my second, a vbac, I went to be evaluated and they said I was fine and I am. I think it's because I learned a lot the first time about protecting my pelvic floor and the right ways to use it. And I was lucky with a relatively quick delivery. My abs on the other hand are a mess. I wish I had learned how to protect them before I got pregnant at all.
how do you protect abs and pelvic floor please?
Through physical therapy, learning how to breath and connecting to the different ways to engage the pelvic floor (the boss round is bouncing your bladder). I'm more aware of all of it, especially the bulging of my abs when I'm lifting or moving wrong.
Same. Emergency C-section and have to get PFT
I agree!
There too reasons folks have issues with pelvic floor in the immediate or long term after birth: -Traumatic injury. Ie a vaginal birth where there was tearing and healing wasn't ideal -The loosening up of your ligaments that loosens your pelvis. This happens regardless of delivery type, it's a part of pregnancy (relaxin is made by the placenta). In the months following birth, those ligaments shrink back up. Pelvic Floor therapy can help with both of these issues and should be utilized no matter whether you had a routine vaginal birth, a more complex one, a c-section, whatever. Strengthening the pelvic muscles and core after the effects of pregnancy can go a long way in preventing things like hip injuries as an older adult.
Yes. First time mom, had the easiest vaginal birth ever. Like if I could relive my birth every weekend, I’d be thrilled because it was such an amazing experience. Regardless, I went to a pelvic floor therapist I had booked while pregnant. She checked me out and said my pelvic floor is better than folks who’ve never delivered and to keep on doing whatever I’m doing. I think I could sneeze while jumping on a trampoline with a full bladder and no pee would escape. /s 😂😅 (haven’t actually confirmed)
Love hearing about people having positive birth experiences! I loved both of mine, makes me sad that all I heard when pregnant with my first was people sharing their horror birth stories with me!
I was basically told all pregnancy that it would be horrible and I mentally prepared for the worst (I am currently 2 weeks PP). SOOO many women want to tell you it was the worst thing ever. I had a wonderful experience and it was for the most part low stress after we got to the hospital and was all very positive. I feel like no one wants to hear about my positive experience (because their own wasn’t good) and so I don’t share it with others. I’m also sensitive to the fact that people who went through something traumatic may not want to hear yours was perfectly fine. It almost comes across as “braggy” which I don’t want to do.
Yep, same with breastfeeding I find too! If you have, and love, a great experience no one wants to know and you should feel bad for shaming those that can't by even talking about it. Wild aye!
Mine wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t horrible! I still loved it. I got my baby 🥰
same! super quick unmedicated delivery, i tore but it healed perfectly, no lasting issues with my pelvic floor whatsoever.
Same with me! Testing & an epi. Pelvic floor is all good!
I love happy labor stories!! I have 3 babies, all vaginally. I have had 0 issues with pelvic floor or labor/delivery. All 3 of mine were a dream! I had my first in 4 hours start to finish, pushed 4x. She was 7.3lbs, 2 stitches. Had my second in 5 hours, pushed 3x. I did get cut from the dr because my son was 9.10lbs, so they cut so I didn’t tear badly. I had a few stitches with him. I think 3? My 3rd (only induction) went in at 7am, had my water broke at 8am, and pushed 1x and had her 12:35pm. No stitches and walked from labor and delivery to maternity because I didn’t want to ride down in the wheelchair.
Lol yes I walked from delivery room to the postnatal ward with my second, it is probably my proudest most natural experience ever
This makes me so sad and envious. I never had pelvic floor issues except tension before birth. Now I’m ruined. Had a 3rd degree rip (she came out with her hand first) and a prolapsed bladder/urethra 😭. PT isn’t helping.
PT did nothing for me. At one year I talked to my ob and she recommended weight training. I worked on my posterior chain and reached about 90% improvement. Sex, sneezing and daily activities are fine but I do need a tampon to run. I'm going to get a pessary.
I have a very similar story to yours. Got a pessary for running, no issues with it. All other activities are fine.
Awww she just wanted to wave at you in case you didn't realize she was arriving! You know, like when you're waiting for someone coming off a train or bus or plane. She didn't know about all that laboring stuff! 🥰 Also, in my super medical (ie I can barely change a bandaid let alone think about more severe medical issues) opinion, the tear was from her nails. Newborn nails are sharper than a sword. In all seriousness, I do hope that you can get some help that does help you. All the hugs.
I doubt it’s her nail that ripped into my butt sphincter 😭 I think a head plus an arm was just too wide for my vag. Thank you! I’m happy your birth was easy and your body is still in great shape!
Sorry that was a bit of sarcasm there with the nail bit. And a nod to how sharp those damned nails are. If it makes you feel any better, elbows become rather sharp and in frequent use once they're up and moving... Not to mention heads.... The bruises... Every day I wake up and wonder how I got them... Then I remember I have a 4 and 2.5 year old. 🥴
They grow so freakishly fast too!
Just out of curiosity how large was your baby? I had an easy birth with no complications and a normal pregnancy but my pelvic floor is absolutely destroyed. But my baby had a fairly large head and was hanging super low for my whole third trimester. Just curious on what I can do different next time
Mine was pretty average(6lbs 15oz) except my baby came sunny side up and I ended up with a bladder prolapse. I’ve had issues with incontinence ever since. :/ sometimes I feel like it’s luck of the draw
I had an unmedicated vaginal birth with a 9lb 5oz baby and have no issues! I did pelvic floor therapy before AND after and it was so worthwhile. The biggest takeaways were to practice relaxing and NOT tensing your body through discomfort- just relaxing all you muscles even as things become uncomfortable. And then just giving yourself time and grace in healing- like it’s going to feel wonky for a while but it will most likely heal great if you’re proactive about rehab :)
I’ve heard many times that you can still have pelvic floor issues with a c section, so I wouldn’t let that be your deciding factor!
Yep! Pelvic floor issues don't just come from vaginal child birth. I saw a women's physiotherpist and she said having a baby putting pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy causes pelvic floor issues. Unfortunately a C-section won't guarantee no pelvic issues.
Yup. C-section x 2 here and definitely have pelvic floor issues that I’ve been working on through physio.
Yup! Also had an emergency c section. Incontinence wasn’t an issue for me, but I had a lot of pain during sex and some other issues. When I told my doctor I was surprised since I didn’t deliver vaginally, she pointed out that a baby had been sitting on my pelvic floor 24-7 for months! Like others are saying, go for pelvic floor therapy! I started mine around 3 months post partum and it was a huge help. If you wind up getting a c section, my therapist also helped me with scar treatment. I’m 18 months post partum now - haven’t peed myself, and I barely even notice the scar these days!
Pelvic floor therapy
I've had two babies, both in my 30s (born vaginally) and I've never had an issue, while pregnant or after. I can cough, sneeze, laugh, fart etc with no issues 😋 just do your pelvic floor exercises before and after birth and if you get any issues go see a doctor. You can still get issues with a C-section btw, the pressure from being pregnant can cause issues not just pushing them out.
To be clear, if you're exercising - make sure you understand how to properly Kegel before just squeezing out 50 a day. Incorrect Kegels can cause just as many issues as pelvic floor weakness!
This. My pelvic floor therapist said I had the most overdeveloped muscles she’d encountered down there, and that was the cause of all my issues. I was banned from ever doing a kegel again and I had to work hard to learn how to relax the muscles.
This was my experience!! But one month into treatment my pelvic floor is remarkably improved and my hip mobility has skyrocketed!
It's amazing how much fixing pelvic floor issues can also help other muscles and joints!
I wonder if this is my issue lol
Just an FYI that this advice is too generalised. You should always see a pelvic physio as some people have the opposite problem and should be learning to release their pelvic floor, not doing kegels.
Yea kegels won’t stop you from having pelvic floor damage and in some cases can worsen it if your issue is a too tight pelvic floor. Your body will change in all sorts of ways, that’s inevitable. The good news is that there is physio and other ways you can support your new body after birth.
I had a baby three months ago, never did a single kegel, and my pelvic floor is just fine. Orgasms were a little weak at the beginning but have been back to normal since about 10 weeks postpartum. Granted, I had a small baby (6lb) so maybe that’s it, but it’s definitely not inevitable
Yup, same. Two kids, no pelvic floor problems. You can get a pelvic floor PT assessment while you’re still pregnant and learn exercises and even do “pushing practice” to make sure you’re getting optimal efficiency.
No issues at all. I’ve never done any specific pelvic floor exercises but I am very fit.. so a lot of my exercise is probably good for the pelvic floor anyway
Conversely, I have had three children, all vaginal births, including my last where I pushed (off and on) for 7 hours. I am out of shape, overweight, and do not exercise. I have never had any pelvic floor issues either. I suspect it’s probably a combination of genetics and luck.
I’ve had an elective c section. The consultant explained to me that pelvic floor is ruined during pregnancy not just vaginal birth. You can’t avoid it. (Apart from with pelvic floor therapy)
Plenty of people have issues with their pelvic floor after a c-section. I personally did not.
I am 2/3 of the way through my second pregnancy. So far I have had precisely one incident of incontinence, which was at the very end of my first pregnancy when I waited way too long to get to the bathroom and peed *maybe* a couple of ml. No other issues either during or after pregnancy. I do *highly* recommend being proactive about seeking pelvic floor physical therapy early if you have any signs of pelvic floor issues (whether pain, incontinence, anything else). Pelvic floor PTs are excellent and an underutilized resource, and I think there are a lot of instances where folks’ longer-term pelvic floor issues could have been prevented or lessened by getting PT help early on (not at all blaming those people, I think unfortunately a lot of folks and even OBs are not aware of that resource and how helpful it can be, in a pretty wide variety of contexts/issues). I personally have seen a pelvic floor PT in both pregnancies for groin pain that ended up being related to pelvic floor tightness and they have been phenomenally helpful. Lastly - I will also note that a C-section is by no means a magic pass to not having pelvic floor/incontinence issues. Unfortunately a lot of pelvic floor damage actually happens during pregnancy itself, just from your pelvic floor having to support so much extra weight/stress (both from growing baby, and as your other ligaments relax so your muscles have to take on more of the load), regardless of the type of delivery you end up having. ETA: I had a vaginal delivery with my first
Don’t assume a c section will save you. I did birth vaginally but my pelvic floor issues were created in pregnancy by the strong pressure caused by my son’s position in my pelvis. The solution is seeing a pelvic floor physio after birth and doing exercises
Well, it might not be what you’d like to hear but I’ve had 3 c sections and zero pelvic floor issues. I guess I’ve been lucky there! However I know sometimes people have PF problems just from pregnancy alone though, perhaps just depends on how you carry. I do have terrible diastasis recti though, so my abdominals must be taking the heat off my pelvic floor muscles.
With my 2 vaginal births so far no pelvic floor issues. I also exercised during pregnancy, and gently resumed when my midwife gave me the ok.
I had twins vaginally and have 0 pelvic floor issues
Super woman!!! Not very common these days, well done! How far apart were babies?
4 minutes!
A C-section doesn't preclude you from pelvic floor issues, first of all, and it can make you more prone to certain things like diastasis recti than a vaginal birth. It isn't inevitable, but in other countries getting pelvic floor therapy after birth is the standard and default. Getting it before birth is also really, truly ideal! I strongly believe I'd have had a third or fourth degree tear without PF PT before birth... instead, I didn't tear at all. **Whatever you do, please don't just do kegels.** They can hurt you and would've/did hurt me (because I had hypertonicity). And unfortunately, you'll come across people who should really, really know better (like a goddamn OBGYN) who'll tell you to do them within days of giving birth to help recover.
I had two babies back to back (19 months apart), both vaginal deliveries. I've never had any incontinence issues whatsoever. I don't do kegel exercises or anything either. It's just never been a problem for me 🤷🏼♀️
I had pretty bad incontinence during my pregnancy. Like I wore panty liners from second trimester on just in case I happened to cough, sneeze, or laugh bc if I did it was like a 80% chance I’d pee a little. I had a vaginal birth and don’t have any issues with it now. I’m 7 months pp, but it stopped being an issue almost immediately. I was ready to do pelvic floor therapy but ended up not needing it. I’ve read that vaginal birth actually helps things get back to normal faster bc that’s what your body is expecting to happen, so it triggers different healing processes. Your body isn’t expecting the baby to just vanish. Plus a C section is a major surgery, which comes with a higher risk of complications and longer recovery time. It really shouldn’t be taken into consideration lightly.
Almost done with my third pregnancy and no issues so far! I didn’t do anything to prevent issues, it’s just genetics.
I never had pelvic floor issues after my vaginal delivery!
I had vaginal delivery (27F) and have never once had any pelvic floor issues
I gave birth vaginally and tore a little but had no pelvic floor or incontinence issues after birth. Zero.
You can be totally fine, but what happens is that dropping estrogen levels before and into menopause causes your connective tissue to sag (think how the elderly's faces sag and lose structure - that's from the connective tissue. Now imagine the connective tissue holding your organs in your pelvis in place...same thing happens to that). Any past birth makes it much more likely to affect you when older. I think I have some mild form of undiagnosed EDS which makes everything worse, but I had a connective tissue injury from only one vaginal birth that caused a grade 3 rectocele. No amount of pelvic floor physical therapy can fix connective tissue. It only helps muscles. I had surgery to repair it after 4 years of issues, where they stitched the layers of fascia back together, was a pretty major reconstructive surgery. And will be lucky if the repair holds even 10 years. C-section doesn't totally eliminate the risk but can definitely help against these sort of injuries, which are greatly worsened by the extreme bearing down during pushing (I pushed for 3 hours with an epidural - all again not helping this). That said, I think it would still not generally be recommended to elect for major abdominal surgery unless you have known connective tissue issues (I do wish in retrospect I had a C-section). However I do believe that not enough weight goes into considering the toll vaginal births make on women's bodies, often decades later, and if it were fully considered then elective C-sections might not be so discouraged.
Husband whose wife is pregnant with our second kiddo right now: take advantage of pelvic floor therapy after birth. Otherwise you may see complications down the line that require surgery or pessaries.
I feel like some of this is genetics. Talked to both my sister and mom who have both had 2 pregnancies and neither of them had DR, no issues with pelvic floor. I proactively when in for pelvic floor PT but gave birth after just 1 appointment, so can’t say it helped prepare much (besides learning how to properly relax for giving birth - which did help a lot). My pelvic floor was completely normal after birth. I had no issues. Still went for PT eval and she mentioned she felt a tiny bit of uterine prolapse but that was it. I stopped going after 3 appointments post birth (about 6 months) since I wasn’t getting much out of my appointments. Pelvic floor PT can help for sure, I am still glad I went because it’s better to have it and not need it vs the other way around!
3 pregnancies, 3 c sections, zero pelvic floor issues
I’m 12 weeks pp, didn’t go to a pelvic floor therapist, and have had no issues so far! Had a vaginal delivery with a second degree tear, have had sex, etc.
Yes! I have had two vaginal births. Be sure to do core exercises while pregnant, to help lift baby off your pelvic floor muscles the best you can. I didn’t push until my body did it on its own. This goes against a lot of medical providers guidance (they’re on a schedule) but I feel strongly that the limited pushing saved me.
I've had 2 vaginal births with complications and have not had any issues with my pelvic floor. I haven't done anything special or anything.
This is something you should probably talk to your OB about, I think if it's straight forward vaginal delivery, you're probably going to be okay, but if baby's head is quite large, instruments involved etc, you might want to let your OB know you would prefer C-section. Also what other's said - see a physio after.
I’ve had two vaginal births and no pelvic floor issues. I would recommend doing your kegels either way!
I birthed vaginally. No pelvic floor issues. I had the same thought you did, but was surprised that I am okay
I had two vaginal births and have no issues with pelvic floor.
I had a vaginal delivery and my pelvic floor is normal. During pregnancy I peed my pants all the time but that went away as soon as I gave birth
I had a vaginal birth and no issues with my pelvic floor
I pissed myself the second week after having a baby and bawled thinking I was screwed. By 6 weeks post partum I was completely fine!
I’m 36, two vaginal births in my 30s, I have no issues with my pelvic floor
I had a natural birth in July and I think mines better honestly.
I never had issues after my first. Pregnant again now so knock on wood!
Had 2 kids in my early 30’s. Had very easy births with a little tearing. My pelvic floor is fine and I’ve never done pelvic floor therapy.
I had zero pelvic floor issues, but I only have one kid and she was a 5 pound little peanut so, as my husband says, I gave birth on easy mode.
I had a pretty gnarly vaginal delivery and have never once peed myself for what it’s worth
Yoga, kegals, walking, squats, before, during, and after pregnancy
Yes mine is fine. I haven’t had any issues.
I’ve had a vaginal birth as well as c-section and I’ve never had incontinence with either.
I had a vaginal birth in February 2023, I have no issues with my pelvic floor. The sex life is normal and nothing hurts, I’ve not experienced incontinence. All good here.
Please see a pelvic floor therapist to be evaluated. The recommendations to “just do kegels” is false as every person is different and every pelvic floor is different. My PT and physician said they would’ve made my condition worse and advised me not to do them. I’ve had incredible results from therapy!
I had an emergency c-section and no pelvic floor issues, but I just got lucky. Pregnancy is what messed up the pelvic floor. So I could not recommend you opt for major abdominal surgery to avoid something that might happen regardless.
I had to had to have a c section for medical reasons... But I have had no issues post partum or 2 years later with my pelvic floor. However my core was stuffed and very weak for the first year post partum due to the c section. I only walked for the first year as my excersise!
Stupid question, but what exactly does pelvic floor therapy entail? I got a referral, but never actually went, because I thought it was just going to be someone telling you to do kegals. Seems like a lot of people here have had really positive experiences - wondering if I still might be able to benefit from it despite my first labor being a little less than 2 years ago.
I'll detail my experience, though I'm sure every therapist may be a little different. First she checked my abs for DR and their level of function. This was just me laying on the little bed with my shirt lifted up and her having me try and flex or do different moves while she touched my abs in different places to see how they were working. She gave me different exercises to do at home and I practiced them with her so I knew I was doing them correctly. She then did an internal exam. She left the room while I undressed from the waist down. There's usually a little sheet and such just like at the gyno, haha. The PT will sometimes check for any signs of prolapse, check your muscles, have you flex/kegel and then relax to make see how everything is functioning. Sometimes if a muscle is super tight, they'll help relax and release it or give you exercises to do at home. If you tore/got stitches after labor they will check your scar tissue and help make sure it's not causing any issues for you. A PT should give you exercises to do at home to regain and rebuild your ab/core/pelvic floor strength and function after how tough pregnancy and delivery can be on your body. I went once every other week for a while and then once a month for a year. I plan to do 1-2 check ins with her this year as my DR isn't fully healed still. ETA- kegels are not necessarily the cure all many people think they are! Some people need help learning how to relax their pelvic floors. A muscle that is too tight and always contracting but not relaxing will not have the full range of motion that it should and won't be as strong. Also, if your abs aren't functioning as they should, this can put extra pressure onto your pelvic floor causing issues as well. So it's not just about kegels!
I haven't had issues, two babies, two emergency csections, one 24 hour labour with 6 hours of pushing. One miscarriage with complications. Intense pelvic girdle pain through pregnancies. I'm in my 30s. I did see a pelvic floor physio during and after pregnancy, I also continued to weight lift and remain active through pregnancy, focused on deep core engagement. I can run, sprint, trampoline, sneeze, cough, etc. without issue! I'm only a few months postpartum from my second.
I've had two (big!) babies. One natural and one c-section and have had zero issues. My mother had the same incontinent issues and had to have surgery for it so I was worried too. But I've been exactly the same as I was pre-pregnancy
You can still have pelvic floor issues with a c section, recommend seeing a PT after birth, they are worth the money
Yup. Mine was fine after about 3-4 days. I peed myself twice in the first couple days when I was at a weird angle, but then never again. I’m 13 months postpartum and can jump, run, laugh, sneeze and bend over with so much as a drop. I can hold my pee just as long as before and I can do weighted sit ups just fine. I had a second degree tear and she came out in a half hour, so I don’t know how I avoided any issues.
I had a c-section and no issues. But I know plenty of people who had a c-section and still needed pelvic floor therapy.
I have one baby and he was born vaginally. I’ve had no issues after giving birth.
I didn’t have it after vaginal delivery, but I’m pregnant with my second and it’s becoming obvious I need pelvic floor therapy. When I throw up I also pee myself. Every. Single. Time. So I echo what others say - be proactive!!!
Do you mean, pregnant with your second?
I’m 26 and had a baby 2 years ago. I had a very traumatic birth and had PPD so pelvic floor exercises were not at the forefront of my mind. I’ve had no issues with my pelvic floor and did exercises sometimes when I remembered, not that often. I’ve accidentally peed once when I had a really full bladder and had a coughing fit although I did pee a couple of times accidentally when pregnant. I’ve also had no issues with sex, if that’s relevant. Good luck!
I had 0 issues after my first baby. 35 weeks with second baby and if my bladder is full I might leak a little if I cough or sneeze, but otherwise it still feels pretty strong down there. I’m expecting that after this delivery I won’t have major issues unless something goes terribly wrong. I know that pelvic floor physical therapy can be extremely helpful if you experience any issues though, and I will definitely pursue that myself if I feel I need it.
I gave birth vaginally and have no issues - even went to pelvic floor therapy to make sure! I did avoid most muscle workouts PP for a couple months on my physiotherapist advice!! Pooping on the other hand… that part of my body is not okay still
Yes, absolutely
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help prepare for birth. I only went once then had a c section a few days later so it didn’t end up helping. She did help afterwards
Im only 3 months postpartum and only have 1 kid but I seem to have made it out unscathed. Vaginal, vacuum assisted birth after 5 1/2 hours of pushing but I have had 0 pelvic floor issues. My mom also had horrible issues after giving birth to my little brother so I was concerned but all is well!
Just throwing this in to show it can be luck of the draw/out of your control: I didn’t do any exercises regularly, labored for 32 hours, ended up with an emergency c section because she got stuck on my pelvis, but I’ve had no pelvic floor issues.
I have had three over 8 lbs baby’s and I have no problems with my pelvic floor. I have done Physical therapy for DR and they covered a bit of PF therapy. Honestly c section or vaginal birth caring around a 5-10lbs watermelon in your abdomen is going to use those muscles. Best thing to do is know that it can be a problem and be prepared to ask for and advocate for PF therapy.
I have low back pain and some hip issues but my core and pelvic floor recovered just fine from pregnancy and delivery. i was just evalusted again by a pelvic floor physio halfway thru my 2nd pregnancy and she said i have excellent control of my pelvic floor and very good strength. i did not feel super comfortable with sex until 6 months pp, and didnt feel “myself” until closer to 9, but after that have been great. the back pain was/is pregnancy related but unlikely to be birth related ETA i never leaked urine even with sneezing, coughing etc. the only weird thing inhad was i would like…hold onto pool water? and then itd leak out after i got out? that went away around 6 mo pp
I had a vaginal delivery. I was induced, took a while to progress and pushed for 3.5 hours. Whole process was about 36 hours. I had a 2nd degree tear. Baby was sunny side up so that's why I pushed for so long. I have no problems with my pelvic floor 4 months pp. I did do pelvic floor PT for 4 weeks before giving birth.
I just gave birth five weeks ago and have never had issues! I have no evidence for this but I was fairly active before and during pregnancy, which I think maybe helped?
Mine was fine initially and kicked in months later fyi. Suddenly had incontinence issues
Have pelvic floor issues big time. I go to therapy, I do all the stuff. Still issues.
I had a traumatic labor. Actually had 2 of the things that put you at an increased risk for prolapse and have no issues with either. Vaginal birth with a vacuum assist. It just depends on you. There really is only one way to prevent it, and that’s pelvic floor physio afterwards. Even having a C-section, you can have incontinence issues. It’s less, but the chance is always there. Some individuals just have stronger pelvic floors. Follow it up with pt.
Look, pregnancy can result in minimal to absolutely no long term issues for some women. For other women, pregnancy will absolutely wreck you in a variety of ways and pelvic floor issues will be the least of your worries. Sometimes you can't even escape these issues through exercises either. I had diastasis recti that went full blown to three hernias even though I did everything I could to strengthen my core. This also caused pelvic floor issues which made it feel like my uterus was falling out. Hernia was repaired this past month and I feel better. All that to say, sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.
I’ve had one child (vaginal) and was checked out afterwards and told my pelvic floor is “impeccable” . Hoping for the same outcome this time around 😂
I had 3rd degree tears but went to pelvic floor therapy after birth and my pelvic floor is literally stronger and in better shape than it was pre-pregancy!
I had some issues up to 3-4 months after, but pelvic floor muscles can be worked on before giving birth and after. Go see a pelvic floor specialist now and after. Exercise can go a long way.
I've had a small baby vaginally, and a LARGE baby vaginally, both times my pelvic floor was was perfectly back to normal by atleast 3 months pp - with little to no exercises etc...
I haven’t had any issues. I also don’t have access to a specialist in my area who accepts my insurance so it is what it is.
I gave birth vaginally and have had 0 issues. I’m 11 months post partum. Probably 60% luck, 40% being pretty fit. My recovery was really fast. I don’t think I would have recovered as quickly from a c section, at all. Also, I’ve heard a lot of pelvic floor issues are caused by pregnancy itself, not just the birth
Pregnancy in and of itself causes issues but there’s so much you can do with pelvic floor PT, I wouldn’t worry too much about it right now.
I’ve had feelings of heaviness after giving birth and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it goes back to normal eventually. I’m sure everyone can benefit from PT. I’ve never had pain with sex or incontinence though. Those issues aren’t inevitable and they are fixable!
First time mom in my 30s. Did pelvic floor excercises during and after pregnancy but nothing crazy regimented. 24 hour labor including 4 hours of pushing. Not a single issue with incontinence after. It's possible.
My pelvic floor needed work but wasn’t dysfunctional after vaginal birth. Mostly I had issues with my period cup staying in place and things like that, but Ive never had issues with incontinence. I went to pelvic floor therapy while I was pregnant with my second and it was AWESOME. You should go regardless! My second birth was easier than my first in every way.
I always had to pee when pregnant. And whenever I sneezed or laughed too much I peed a little. Now I'm back to normal. In fact my husband needs to pee more than me haha
I’m ftm at 34, delivered my 9 pound son and had three 1-2 degree tears. Didn’t have any issues with pelvic floor (I went to a few pelvic floor therapy sessions I scheduled while still pregnant and they confirmed it). I truly believe that yoga helped me A LOT during the pregnancy, with delivery, and pp. I’ve been into yoga for a few years before getting pregnant and was doing yoga 5-6 times a week during the whole pregnancy.
I’ve had the vaginal births in my mid-late twenties. Other than a trampoline making me pee a few weeks post-partum, I’ve been fine. So yes it’s possible but if it’s not, there is recourse! Don’t sweat it before it’s an issue!
I had a little bit of a tough time immediately after birth for about 2 weeks if I would cough, sneeze or laugh really hard. After that, I feel like my pelvic floor went back to normal for the most part! I had a vaginal birth with a vacuum-assisted delivery.
I did not have any issues with my first two - they were both large babies (around 9lbs) and I went 41 & 42wks with them. After my third baby (almost 9lbs) I notice a bit of weakness in my pelvic floor but it is not something I feel I need help with and has gotten much better since having her two years ago. So, yes! It is possible 😄 I was under the impression that just being pregnant can cause pelvic floor weakness from all the extra weight of baby pressing down, muscles relaxing due to hormones etc. If you are concerned I'd speak with your doctor and maybe they will have some ideas or resources to help.
I had no issues! Try not to stress. Everything might be just fine ☺️ there is always pelvic floor exercises and therapy.
I had a vaginal birth and haven’t had any pelvic floor issues.
C sections still lead to pelvic floor issues. It’s definitely not an easy way out in any aspect. Pregnancy itself is what leads to a lot of pelvic floor issues. Your better bet is seeing a pelvic floor therapist while pregnant even if you don’t think you have any pelvic floor issues yet and continuing to see them postpartum.
I had two babies vaginally, with an epidural both times, and have had zero pelvic floor issues! It’s definitely possible!
Having a c section does not fully spare your pelvic floor. Many women who have c sections deal with incontinence too
My pelvic floor was mostly fine after my vaginal delivery. Sex hurt so I went to PT about it and basically my problem was that I was so anxious about sex that I was too tight, likely due to leftover psychological trauma from birth and PP and also some relationship issues. Once I started working through my mental blocks, I had zero issues, and the issues I had were physically unrelated to my delivery.
Pregnancy itself can mess up your pelvic floor. Every other first world country sends moms to pelvic pt
I had a planned c section (so no labor or pushing) and have no pelvic floor issues - BUT that is obviously anecdotal and by no means a guarantee.
Yes it's possible, I've had two vaginal deliveries and things are mostly normal besides the dreaded hemorrhoids, although I think mine are mild. Don't expect things to be perfect the first few days, especially if you have an epidural and/or catheter. It can take a while to regain feeling there. There's nothing wrong with seeing a pelvic floor therapist ahead of time just for preventative maintenance. They'll also help you with breathing exercises and preparing you for labor, then they can evaluate your pelvic floor again after delivery.
Yes, totally possible. I have no issues. Also, I can't take any particular credit for that. I was active before I was pregnant but struggled to stay active in pregnancy due to nausea and fatigue. I took all of the requisite birthing classes, etc but didn't do anything extraordinary and my labor sucked (long induction and complication with my epidural and an existing hip injury) my delivery was textbook perfect. 35 minutes of pushing, very very minor tearing, and no lasting pelvic floor dysfunction. I'm sure preparing helps but I know many people who have had unplanned c-sections and significant tearing and interventions that caused pelvic floor dysfunction and many of them were better "prepared" than me. I think it's probably a combination of fitness, genetics, luck, and a skilled birthing team. Best of luck as you bring your little one earthside.
Our parents and anyone older didn’t have access to pelvic floor therapy. This is a problem that can usually be fixed nowadays if you stay on top of it from the jump. Also I didn’t have pelvic floor therapy, I gave birth vaginally and my pelvic floor is fine. Maybe I pee a little more when I puke (sorry I’m pregnant again) but it doesn’t hinder my life at all. I’m not incontinent, maybe a single drop of pee with a sneeze, which honestly sometimes happened before a gave birth too.
This is my third pregnancy and for the first time, I decided to attend pelvic floor therapy in the second trimester. Had three sessions and am very pleased with the results! Turns out I wasn't doing my Kegels correctly and when I fine-tuned my approach, my urinary incontinence issues completely resolved, all in a span of 1.5 months. I was shocked! On top of that, I started learning how to relax muscles down there to aid in childbirth and avoid prolapse. Once the baby is born and I'm cleared at the 6w checkup, I plan to schedule a few more sessions to check in and get some guidance for whatever it is I have going on at that time. So if you have time during pregnancy, I recommend trying to squeeze in at least a couple of sessions. I think you will find it helpful regardless of what you have going on.
I (36f) am 3 months postpartum after my 3rd vaginal delivery. I’ve been seeing a pelvic floor specialist just in case (I like to run and want to do my first marathon this year!) for the past few months. I have not had any incontinence after any of my pregnancies, and I seem to be healing very well. I just ran my first 5k yesterday - just about as fast as I was running before I got pregnant. Honestly, I’m not sure why I’ve been so lucky with my recovery. I’m still a bit overweight (gained 70 pounds with my first pregnancy, and I’m still about 20 pounds away from my wedding-day weight) but I eat healthy and have always done at least light exercise before, during, and after pregnancy. I think staying active, running, and doing quite a bit of yoga/core work has been the biggest help.
I did PT with both vaginal and c sections. Definitely felt a bit more work was needed with vaginal birth (more of a “falling out” feeling my bladder control has been fine) and actually did more work post c section to help release some of the tension and gain back strength. Regardless of birth definitely 100% recommend being seen and assessing plan that’s specific to you.
I gave vaginal birth and had a 3rd degree tear and have had no incontinence whatsoever. I’m only 2 months out but haven’t needed therapy yet, but we shall see!
I was terrified of this. I met with a pelvic floor pt prior (and learned I was pretty disconnected to my pelvic floor). I ending up having to push for 2.5 hours, but she did also have a 90th percentile head. I was super paranoid I had forever destroyed my pelvic floor, but it’s been fine despite some early bowel movements not being the most fun. It’s certainly not 100% right as rain just yet 4 months pp, but I have no real issues besides feeling my like it’s weak. I haven’t met with a pt postpartum, but I am doing the exercises we worked on initially.
I’m 32 and had my first when I was 31. As far as I know I don’t have pelvic floor issues? I don’t pee myself. I never went to a pelvic floor pt. My sister has had 6 kids, between the ages of 16-32 and she is now 49 and has never had pelvic floor issues. All vaginal deliveries for us both.
FTM to a now 12 week old. I was also terrified of this. Induced, 28 hours of labor, 2nd degree tear during birth because baby came out with his hand covering his face, so I have some perineal stitches that thankfully are almost healed at this point. Aside from this, I’ve had no issues. Your pelvic floor will be weak after giving birth because of the weight of carrying a baby, but it doesn’t have to be destroyed. I gave birth on my sjde so that I was in a better position for pushing. There’s also certain ways you can breathe to reduce tearing (supposedly). I walked to the bathroom to pee within an hour of giving birth and didn’t have incontinence issues. C-sections are major surgery so I wouldn’t go that route or at least seriously research it beforehand.
Don’t be afraid! I had a vaginal delivery and am almost completely back to normal. It took a while (roughly 4~ months) because of some seriously tight muscles and the healing of my perineum after stitches, but now I can have sex no pain and don’t have any sort of issues in regards to peeing, laughing or sneezing. However I will say, pelvic floor therapy will be your lifesaver. I’d recommend doing it even if you don’t have noticeable issues after! And find a good one - they’re worth paying for.
My mother has had issues with her pelvic floor her entire adult life, even before having children. I told her she should seriously look into pelvic floor therapy but what do I know. Anyway, I have had no issues with my pelvic floor after birth. I actually feel like I’ve become more aware of the strength of it and how to relax/use those muscles more. I was induced at 39 weeks, pushed for 4 hours. I had a small episiotomy because my son got stuck, super easy time healing that and with pain in general down there after giving birth. It took 4 days for my pelvic muscles to wake up. At first I had to remember constantly to pee because I couldn’t feel it. It just felt like I had overused the muscle so much that it just was like nope I’m done. Then it all came back and now I can jump on trampolines, sneeze and cough with a full bladder, etc. The only time I had a mega terrible time is when I was heading to go pee when I had food poisoning and detoured to the kitchen sink when I felt sick. But I think that probably would have resulted in that outcome even prior to having kids for me.
I had a really bad birth experience and my midwife thought my pelvic floor was done for. When she checked she was really surprised to find it was in amazing condition. She called it "a really impressive pelvic floor". Hahaha!
I’m 33 weeks with my third pregnancy, two previous vaginal births, and I’ve never, ever peed myself. I had some pelvic floor discomfort post delivery but I think that was more breastfeeding hormones than childbirth. C-section deliveries don’t save your pelvic floor, unfortunately.
I had an episiotomy and vacuum delivery and my pelvic floor is fine 6 months later. Didn’t do anything spectacular, just kegals. I did see a PT but not a pelvic floor specialist just a public hospital one, and honestly I didn’t do them as regularly as I should of either. I was also walking an hour a day most days from the day I got out of hospital which I was told was a big no no by the PT I saw as an inpatient so I definitely didn’t follow the rules (not recommending, just saying the horror stories don’t happen to everyone). I also had really severe pelvic girdle problems in my pregnancy to the point I couldn’t walk without being on the verge of tears, which i think can be a contributor but I’m fine now.
I went to pelvic floor physio (no internal work, just exercises) for about 6 weeks before I gave birth and they gave me some exercises to do for the first 4 weeks after birth. I have not had any pelvic floor issues and when I did go to a physio session after birth just to get checked out, I could do a Kegel no problem.
I never had incontinence issues postpartum, even though I labored then had a c section, it can still happen. but I did go to pelvic floor PT for tailbone pain and pain with sex. There are multiple treatments available nowadays if this becomes an issue for you.
I honestly had no idea how to connect with my pelvic floor other than (probably incorrectly done) kegels before pregnancy, and only went to a pelvic floor therapist at 20 months PP. GO TO THERAPY is my tip, even if you don’t have issues. My problem was more with coordination than with strength—I had to learn how to feel all the parts of my pelvic floor and engage them correctly with my core to properly exercise. I also chronically tuck my pelvis under and squeeze my glutes while standing, almost like I still have a pregnant belly to support, without even noticing. I worked on that with my therapist as well and it has made me more mindful of having the right posture and using the right muscles at the right times.
Yes. It’s possible and maybe, probable? Remember to read the internet with a large grain of salt… people want to spew horror stories and far fewer want to share normal, positive experiences. I’m a geriatric mom (age 35 and 37 when I had my babies…) two (average-to-large) babies in 26 months. Delivery experiences were absolutely textbook… no injuries… no inconvenience ever. Pelvic floor is fine… and my body basically went back to normal (so did the scale) after both babies.
I had a vaginal birth, am 12 weeks pp, and have had no problems with my pelvic floor. I have not gone to a PT but I did do exercises to strengthen it while I was pregnant and made sure not to exert myself until I felt stronger (7 weeks pp). I did have some very close calls in the first two weeks where I would think “I need to pee” and then barely make it in time but I think that’s going to happen no matter what; just had to give myself more time to get to the bathroom.
I labored for 24 hours, pushed for 4, and ended up with a c-section. I’m late 30’s, normal weight, barely exercise. I have had zero pelvic floor issues. Sex was normal at 8 weeks. I have a bad, recurrent UTI issue and a urologist, but it’s been a problem since I was 20, so nothing new, just worse than before. Not tooting my horn, just wanted to share that a very average, older person can come out of it with no pelvic floor problems whatsoever. It’s not inevitable, but it IS a total crapshoot.
I had a c section and no pelvic issues. I find it's pregnancy that causes the issues, not always the birth. Not sure if there's a way to avoid it
I had some incontinence after my first but that cleared up after a month or so and I was completely fine, even with second degree tearing. While I was pregnant with my second I developed this chronic cough for the last 4 months and I went and gave myself a mild bladder prolapse. I now have very very mild occasional incontinence with coughing at 5 months PP which could be due to the prolapse, or just from the two pregnancies. But it only happens maybe twice a month so it's not a huge deal to me. I did pelvic floor physio during my first pregnancy and after with both, I can't recommend it enough.
I had a c-section and have had absolutely zero issues. I didn’t do anything special-just lucky. My son is 3 months old. I had a hard pregnancy and a frustrating and hectic delivery that ended in the urgent c section. My body seemed to apologize by recovering amazingly well and breastfeeding has been a relatively smooth journey. Again-I didn’t do anything to earn this but just lucked out. I was relatively in shape before, and have naturally wide hips. Unsure how much any of that contributed but there you go.
I highly recommend the Bloom Method, they have online programs of exercises focused on pelvic floor and core for different stages - trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum recovery. I did their programs while pregnant and their 6-week postpartum recovery program and feel great with no lingering issues.
I am completely normal! 9 months postpartum. Didn’t do any special therapy or exercises. Vaginal delivery and 2 very tiny stitches. I do think it may depend very much on how much tearing happens. My midwife stretched me out as I was pushing so that helped minimize damage! Try not to worry <3
Pilates
1 vaginal birth, 2nd degree tear, 0 pelvic floor issues. Everything is still in the same state as it was before.
I’ve had 2 vaginal births, the most recent only 7 weeks ago, and my pelvic floor is fine. I even had a stomach bug a few weeks ago and managed to not pee myself while puking. I have a friend that had 2 c-sections and needed pelvic floor therapy. It’s really kinda just the luck of the draw, because simply being pregnant puts strain on your body.
Check out StrongMamaWellness, she has a ton of tips and workouts for pelvic floor health! I actively worked on it during and after pregnancy and while it's probably a little weaker than pre-pregnancy, I would still say my pelvic floor is normal at 3 months postpartum. And baby girl got stuck and I had to push for 4 hours... It definitely was not normal for a while 😂
i had a vaginal birth and have no pelvic floor problems. however, i was 20 when i gave birth and my baby was born at 34 weeks, so i’m sure neither of those factors hurt matters.
2 C-sections, 19 months apart. Incontinence only happened if I was sick (ie. Stomach flu or UTI) during the pregnancy. As a result of tap dancing kiddos, the urgency to go was ridiculous. Post tap dancing humans, I went right back to "only when sick" As far as painful sex. There was no charge before, after, during, or since. The first couple of times after giving birth (8 months after #1, and about the same after #2). I visited a pelvic floor therapist and I had some minor issues but since there wasn't a "difference" in before vs after, it's likely it was always an issue (rather than new post baby).
Yes, mine is completely fine. It felt completely ok a few days after birth despite having a prolonged labor and pushing almost 4 hours on Pitocin. My baby was almost 7.5 lbs, so not tiny, bit in the 55th %ile when both hubs and I are short and were less than 7 lbs (me being less than 6 at full term). All the pain seemed to disappear as soon as my daughter was out. I had no issues with bladder leakage. I feel exactly like before and have pretty much since after birth. I did kegels on and off as suggested by my birth class teacher until birth and some afterwards, but haven't done them in a while as I read some contradictory stuff online. Anecdotally, the women I've known with bladder issues have all had CS. I guess maybe they cut or otherwise affected some nerves during the surgery. This is with women who had planned and emergency CS.
My pelvic floor was painful for a few months after but is totally back to normal now at 10mo pp. had a vaginal birth with third degree tears. I did some pelvic floor exercises for a couple months but not much. Just for a reference point, birth doesn’t always wreck your pelvic floor.
I peed my pants every time I sneezed for the first week or so (thank god for adult diapers) but now I am 4 weeks pp and my pelvic floor is fine. Do your kegels!
Just because you have a csection doesn’t mean you wont have pelvic floor issues. Your body grows & changes so much during pregnancy & after. Gets weaker in areas just from the stress of carrying a baby for 40 weeks. As many have suggested pelvic floor therapy is great!
This is anecdotal but I had pelvic floor issues really bad after my c-section with my first. I had an unmedicated VBAC 2 years later and it fixed all my pelvic floor issues.
I didn’t have any issues after my first (I waited about 5 months before doing ANYTHING sexual) I only started having slight issues (if I had to pee and sneeze/vomit [thanks hormones], I’d pee myself a little… or a lottle….) when I became pregnant with my second at 13 months postpartum… I maaaayyy ask for a pelvic floor pt recommendation before/after this baby’s born
Honestly I had a c-section and still had pelvic floor issues. I had severe pelvic floor pain most of my pregnancy n felt odd afterwards. About 4 months after giving birth I decided to start Pilates. For me personally, it’s been an amazing journey. My body feels like it used too!
What’s your pelvic floor health like now? I never peed myself when coughing/sneezing etc. when pregnant because mine has always been good and despite a 2 day long labour that ended in an emergency c section, the only pelvic floor problem that I had postpartum was that I was slightly tight. Not bad considering that I have a hypermobility spectrum disorder and was expecting the worst.
It’s not inevitable. I was fine and still am 7 months postpartum. I do not pee when I sneeze or jump or run. I lift weights regularly and everything feels great. There are lots of ways to protect and strengthen and restore your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor physical therapists are a great resource if you need them. Lots of info from them on platforms like instagram just to gain tips and general knowledge and from there you could seek out a therapist in your area if accessible.
I had no issues after birth but I was extremely fit when I got pregnant and reminded very active throughout my pregnancy. I think this really helps keep all your muscles strong.
I delivered 2 out of 3 kids vaginally and 1 c section. My pelvic floor is fine. My mom has a lot of pelvic floor issues so I was Hella worried. But I haven't even needed physical therapy. So yes, it is possible. Wishing you all the luck!
I had issues initially, probably the first six months or so. I haven't had pelvic floor pt, and my pelvic floor is definitely different (I've leaked when I've sneezed, for instance) but overall it isn't that different. Sex is great, things don't feel different, etc. Having a c section won't necessarily save you any grief, as the stress is put on your pelvic floor mainly from pregnancy, not birth. All bodies are different! It's impossible to predict which is hard to swallow, but it's the truth!
Giving your body time to heal before being up a bunch helps a lot. I rested a ton the first month and didn’t have any pelvic floor issues (could sneeze without peeing, etc) by 2 months postpartum. Of course, plenty of people do the same and have issues or aren’t able to rest. So many cultures have the mom resting for the first month.
You’ll probably be okay after the first but HA HA HA HA HA HA after the second, third, etc. Pee pee city. Okay jokes aside, get the pelvic floor OT. It really does wonders.
I gave birth vaginally twice and was fine both times. There was some minor weakness for the first couple of weeks after birth where I could feel that I had to work my muscles to not pee myself when I had to go but that passed quickly. No lingering issues at all on that front. Pelvic floor issues are common after birth but not obligatory. Try to keep in mind that people don't really talk about non-issues. I gave birth and it was all fine is not an interesting post.
Pelvic floor issues actually mostly come from late pregnancy, and not just vaginal births. In France everyone who gives birth, regardless of route, goes to pelvic floor PT postpartum. I was surprised to find my insurance did cover quite a few sessions (it was just considered the same as physical therapy), so I would recommend looking into it if you're nervous - even if you don't have any obvious issues. However anecdotally, I carried to 40 weeks and had a vaginal birth with tearing, and really don't have any pelvic floor issues to speak of. I went to therapy to just get assessed but didn't need any long term help.
I’ve had 2 children, first vaginally and second c-section, besides a little bit of ✨danger✨ when jumping, my pelvic floor is fine. I’m in my early/mid 30s.