There are a lot of unknowns when going into labour and delivery. Whether it’s your first, second, or third child, every birth is very different, and daunting in its way. Some women hope to have a vaginal delivery, while others schedule or have emergency C-sections. Both forms of delivery are viable options however they can have different effects on your body postpartum. A cesarean section (C-section) can be life-saving for both the baby and mom. A common misconception is that a C-section is somehow “easier” but that is far from the truth. A C-section is a major surgery, that not only affects your abdominal muscles but also your pelvic floor. In this blog post, we will explore what C-sections are, their impact on the pelvic floor, and the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy for women who have had C-sections.
What is a C-section?
A C-section is a surgical procedure that involves delivering a baby through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is usually performed either if the mother schedules a C-section, which may be for a variety of reasons, or in the case of an emergency. This may be done to save and protect the mother and baby. Some reasons for a C-section include a large baby, breech position, multiple pregnancies, maternal health conditions such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), or labor not progressing as expected (dilation plateauing).
What impact does a C-Section have on the pelvic floor?
Many people assume that a C-section does not have any impact on the pelvic floor because the baby does not pass through the vagina. However, the pelvic floor can still be affected during a C-section. During the procedure, the surgeon may need to move the bladder and intestines to access the uterus, which can cause temporary weakness and stretching of the pelvic floor muscles. The stretching can also occur due to the weight of the baby pushing down on the pelvic floor during pregnancy. The procedure can also impact the nerves supplying the bladder and bowel, thereby reducing or completely removing your urge to pee. This altered sensation can improve over time, but may sometimes linger for years postpartum. In some cases, the sensation never comes back.
After the C-section, some women may experience pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, which can be exacerbated by activities such as lifting and carrying their newborn. This can lead to muscle tension and tightness, which can cause further issues down the line.
What are the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy after a C-section?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, improving their function and flexibility, and treating any pain or discomfort in the pelvic area. It can be very beneficial for women who have had a C-section, as it can help to address any issues that may have arisen due to the surgery.
How can healing and recovery be improved after a C-Section?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to speed up the healing process after a C-section. It can help to reduce pain and swelling in the pelvic area, improve circulation, and promote tissue regeneration. It can also help to prevent the formation of scar tissue, which can cause discomfort and pain in the pelvic area. Keloid scarring is a type of scarring at the C section where the tissue raises and forms adhesions. This can be painful in some cases or uncomfortable and can impact sensation in the region.
- Address bladder and bowel issues
After a C-section, some women may experience bladder and bowel issues such as incontinence, urgency, or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowel. This may be a product of the nerves being impacted during the surgery or other factors. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to address these issues by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving their function. It can also help to retrain the bladder and bowel to function properly and reduce incontinence.
- Improve sexual function
Many women may experience a decrease in sexual function after a C-section due to pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. This may be due to feelings of pelvic heaviness, perineum discomfort, or scar tissue. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to address these issues by reducing pain and discomfort and improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to an improvement in sexual function and overall sexual satisfaction.
Seeing a pelvic therapist post-C-section can also get you back to activities you love doing! This can include running, weight lifting, etc. There is no timeline for how quickly you should be recovering. Our bodies take time to heal postpartum. Your body is not broken, but working with a pelvic therapist can help you feel more like yourself again.
Where can I find a pelvic health physiotherapist in Mississauga?
We have 8 locations with pelvic health physiotherapists to help you.
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Mississauga Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- Downtown Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Uptown Toronto Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- Pelvic Physiotherapy Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- Mississauga Pelvic Health – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
