Why can’t pelvic floor rehabilitation be delayed until the second child? This is the best answer I have ever seen!

In our daily life, procrastination seems to have become a common phenomenon. Whether it is a plan to lose weight or review before an exam, we always tend to say "start tomorrow".

However, there is one thing we should never put off, and that is pelvic floor rehabilitation .

Why is pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation urgent?

1. Multiple births double the risk : Studies have shown that the risk of pelvic organ prolapse increases with the number of births. The incidence rates for one, two, and three births are 12.8%, 18.4%, and 24.6%, respectively . This means that one out of every five mothers with multiple births may face the problem of prolapse.
The impact of multiple births on the pelvic floor structure is long-term and cumulative, especially for women who already have mild symptoms of pelvic floor damage during their first pregnancy, the risk of damage after the second or third pregnancy is greater.

2. Irreversibility of fascia damage : The fascia and ligaments of the pelvic floor are key structures that support our pelvic organs. During pregnancy and childbirth, as the size and weight of the uterus continue to increase, these structures are easily damaged and become loose.
If pelvic floor rehabilitation is not performed in time after childbirth, the pelvic floor fascia will sooner or later collapse and break like an overstretched rubber band. It will be difficult to return to its original state , leading to problems such as urinary incontinence and vaginal wall bulging, seriously affecting women's quality of life.
The "memory" of the pelvic floor muscles

The pelvic floor muscles are under a great deal of stress during pregnancy. If they are not properly rehabilitated after a first pregnancy and birth, the pelvic floor muscles may "remember" this damaged, relaxed state.
This means that the original problem will be exacerbated during the second pregnancy. If the pelvic floor muscles and nerves are extremely stretched and damaged during childbirth, especially for women who have a vaginal delivery, the impact of the damage is more significant. The golden period for pelvic floor muscle recovery

Pelvic floor problems need to be checked and treated early, and there is a golden time for rehabilitation treatment - 42 days to 6 months after delivery . Pelvic floor screening and rehabilitation during this period can greatly reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

How to perform pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation?

1. Kegel training : This is a simple and effective method of exercising the pelvic floor muscles that can be performed at any time and place. By consciously contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, you can increase muscle strength and endurance. The following are the detailed steps for doing Kegel training :

Step 1: Before you begin Kegel exercises, make sure your bladder is empty .

Step 2: Confirm the position of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles surround the vagina and anus. You can try to temporarily interrupt the urine flow when urinating, which will help you feel the specific location of the pelvic floor muscles.

Step 3: Contract your pelvic floor muscles Choose a position that is comfortable for you, whether sitting or standing. Then start contracting your pelvic floor muscles. You should be able to feel the muscles contract and lift up. Keep this state for about 10 seconds, then relax.

If you have difficulty in the initial stage of 10 seconds, you can start with 5 seconds or 3 seconds, and gradually increase the duration. It is recommended to do 10 exercises per set, and perform three sets a day.

Step 4: Relax your pelvic floor muscles After each contraction, you should fully relax your pelvic floor muscles. You should feel the muscles drop and stretch as you relax. Take a deep breath before each contraction and relax completely.

2. Physical therapy : such as electrical stimulation and magnetic stimulation, can help restore the function of the pelvic floor muscles. These therapies stimulate the pelvic floor muscles and enhance their contraction force.

Important Tip : Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is a gradual process and requires continuous practice to see significant results. Starting today, take 10 minutes a day to do pelvic floor muscle exercises.