It’s often I see women who are navigating the journey of pregnancy with concerns or little to no knowledge about their pelvic health. One of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of pregnancy wellness is the pelvic floor. This complex network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue plays a major role in supporting not just a growing baby but also the overall function of the mother’s body.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a supportive base at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles help hold up important organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. During pregnancy, the body changes, putting extra pressure on these muscles, which can sometimes cause pain, urinary leaks, or difficulties during labor.
A healthy pelvic floor should be strong yet flexible. However, issues arise when the muscles are either too tight or too weak, or both. A tight pelvic floor can lead to pain during intercourse, urinary leakage with added pressure, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels, pelvic pain, or increased tension in the lower back or hips. A weak pelvic floor can also cause urinary leakage, difficulty holding in gas or stool, a heavy feeling in the pelvic area, or a weaker core. It is important to know your pelvic floor can be both tight and weak at the same time.
The roles of the pelvic floor during pregnancy are:
Supporting the Baby
As the uterus gets bigger, the pelvic floor helps keep everything in place.The muscles need to be strong in order to help support the baby in the uterus. If these muscles are too weak, it can cause discomfort and problems like pelvic organ prolapse.
Helping with Balance and Posture
Pregnancy shifts a woman’s posture as her belly grows and her center of gravity shifts. The pelvic floor works with the core and back muscles to maintain balance and ease strain on the lower back.
Reducing Pregnancy Discomfort
Problems like lower back pain, hip pain, and pelvic pressure are often linked to weak or tight pelvic muscles. By strengthening and relaxing these muscles, they can help stabilize the pelvis and ease the pregnancy related discomfort.
Preparing for Birth
The pelvic floor needs to be both strong and flexible to help with labor. Muscles that are too tight can make delivery harder, while weak muscles may make pushing less effective. Chiropractic care and targeted exercises can help prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth.
Chiropractic Care and the Pelvic Floor
Chiropractic adjustments can help align the pelvis, reduce tension in surrounding muscles, and improve nerve function. The Webster Technique, a chiropractic technique used for prenatal patients, is specifically designed to balance the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the pelvis and optimize space for the baby. Additionally, incorporating soft tissue work, guided exercises, and breath work can improve pelvic floor health.
A well-functioning pelvic floor is not just about strength; it’s about coordination, flexibility, and awareness. As chiropractors, we assess the entire musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and lifestyle factors to provide a holistic approach to care. Making sure the pelvis is well-aligned and the pelvic floor is functioning optimally can make a huge difference in both pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
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