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Pelvic Floor after birth |
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Anonymous Author (March 2006) |
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Like most women, I experienced a mild loss of bladder control in the last trimester of my first pregnancy. This is normal of course, but it added to my dread of the potential damage to my pelvic floor following a natural delivery. During my first pregnancy, I was advised by
many (mostly unsolicited) that it was best to deliver by caesarean "to save the pelvic floor". In the end and after much consideration, I chose to deliver the way nature intended - naturally.
My worst fears came true! My pelvic floor was shot. I saw a physiotherapist and was given some simple exercises to do. She said that "things will improve". I was also told to "check" my pelvic floor strength by gently jumping and then coughing. I failed these tests miserably. I had to wear maternity pads most of the time as a simple sneeze could potentially cause me some embarrassment. It was demoralising for me because I was in my early 30s and was already suffering mild incontinence!
Finally, I read an article about pilates and how it works to build our core strength and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. I attended the first class 6 years ago and am now hooked. Within 2 to 3 months of intensive pilates training (this equates to 2 or 3 times a week, 1 - 2 hours per session), I no longer had to wear maternity pads. It was also a wonderful way to lose weight and regain your figure!
The pilates regime involves a series of gentle exercises to start with. There are machines fitted with springs and levers to maximise a stretch or to provide resistance during training. The exercises get more challenging as you progress. It is never repetitive or boring as there are so many variations to the one movement. There are also floor exercises that use simple tools like an elastic band or light weights that you can do at home.
See
www.pilates.com
On the second anniversary of the birth, I went back to see my ob/gyn for an examination. This was with a view to having a second baby, and I wanted to make sure that "everything was alright down there". I was advised that my pelvic floor was very good and that I should have no problems delivering naturally.
The beauty about pilates was that I could do it during pregnancy as well. For the second pregnancy, I continued my work out and after delivery, I suffered none of the problems that I had with my first.
Now I continue to do pilates because it has become a stress management tool for me. It helps me relax through deep breathing, it improves my posture and thus, it helps me manage my neck aches. I didn't realise that it has kept my limber in my older years. I managed to hang upside down on a climbing frame with my son the other day and I was thrilled!
It is a wonderful programme and I recommend that all women and men, young and old, to try it!
The studio that I recommend is Prescriptive Fitness in Cottesloe. See
www.pilateswa.com
