The pelvic floor consists of layers of muscles that stretch like a supportive hammock from the pubic bone (in front) to the end of the backbone.
If your pelvic floor muscles are weak, you may find that you leak urine when you cough, sneeze or strain. This is quite common and you needn’t feel embarrassed. It’s known as stress incontinence and it can continue after pregnancy.
By performing pelvic floor exercises, you can strengthen the muscles. This helps to reduce or avoid stress incontinence after pregnancy. All pregnant women should do pelvic floor exercises, even if you’re young and not suffering from stress incontinence now.
For many women, it is important to follow a specific exercise program tailored to their individual needs. If you are unsure of whether you are exercising your pelvic floor muscles correctly or you have urinary problems, you should make an appointment with a physiotherapist who specialise in women’s health.
What causes pelvic floor muscle weakness?
- Particularly following delivery of a large baby or prolonged pushing during delivery
- Being overweight
- Constipation (excessive straining to empty your bowel)
- Persistent heavy lifting
- Excessive coughing – causing repetitive straining
- Changes in hormonal levels at menopause
- Growing older.
About video: Midwife Chantelle Winstanley explains how to do proper pelvic floor exercises and when you can practice them.
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