Author｜Sun Dongxia
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
Research shows that pelvic floor dysfunction has an incidence rate of up to 40% postpartum, seriously affecting quality of life. Advertisements for postpartum pelvic floor recovery programs are ubiquitous in beauty salons and maternity care centers. Many hospitals also offer pelvic floor rehabilitation training programs in their outpatient departments. So, is it necessary postpartum? Should all new mothers do it? This article will tell you the answers to how to perform pelvic floor rehabilitation exercises.
What is the pelvic floor? What does it include?
The pelvic floor includes the pelvis, organs, connective tissue, and striated muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that close the bottom of the pelvis, acting as a support structure to support vital organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. If their function is impaired or insufficient, these organs cannot receive adequate support, leading to functional disorders such as uterine prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Pathogenesis of pelvic floor disorders
The mechanism of pelvic floor disorders is unclear, but it is considered to be related to abnormal pelvic and abdominal dynamics, mainly associated with the following factors: pregnancy and childbirth, frequent heavy physical labor, chronic cough, constipation, congenital pelvic floor tissue malformation, postmenopausal estrogen deficiency, and pelvic floor tissue shrinkage and degeneration.
What are the high-risk factors for postpartum pelvic floor muscle injury?
Lack of exercise during pregnancy and postpartum
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
Macrosomia
Labor and birth injuries
Instrumental delivery
Innate factors
What are the symptoms of pelvic floor muscle injury?
Early symptoms of injury include:
Vaginal laxity
Decreased quality of sex life
Lower abdominal distension, frequent urination, constipation
Urinary incontinence or urinary retention
Recurrent urinary tract and reproductive tract infections
Perineal wound pain, dyspareunia
Other: uterine prolapse, etc.
What should I do if I have a problem with my pelvic floor function?
So, the question arises: when is the best time for postpartum pelvic floor training? What are the steps, screening, recovery methods, and treatment cycle? See the process below:
During pregnancy: Health education on the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.
During labor: While adhering to relevant obstetric guidelines and principles, special attention should be paid to protecting the pelvic floor tissues during the delivery process.
Within 42 days postpartum: Guidance on rapid recovery of postpartum urinary and digestive tract functions; symptomatic treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction; gradual and adaptive initiation of pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Postpartum pelvic floor consolidation phase: 42 days to 12 weeks postpartum ① Medical history collection, pelvic floor function questionnaire and record keeping ② Pelvic floor electrophysiological and biomechanical screening, pelvic floor function assessment ③ Development of a rehabilitation plan:
If no related symptoms or signs are found, a preventive pelvic floor rehabilitation program is recommended; once related symptoms and signs are found, targeted treatment combined with a preventive pelvic floor rehabilitation program can be implemented; finally, a follow-up evaluation after rehabilitation should be conducted.
When discussing pelvic floor rehabilitation, Kegel exercises (pelvic floor muscle training) are indispensable!
Originating in the 1840s, this exercise involves consciously contracting the pubococcygeal muscle group, specifically the levator ani muscle, to increase resistance in the urethra, vagina, and anus, thereby enhancing urinary control. Professionals can manually guide mothers to learn the correct training methods. Generally, mothers are instructed to contract their anus and vagina, holding each contraction for at least 3 seconds before relaxing, for 15-30 minutes continuously, 2-3 times daily, or 150-200 times daily. A course of treatment lasts 6-8 weeks, and patients typically see improvement within 4-6 weeks.
It is recommended that new mothers who experience the above symptoms seek treatment as soon as possible. They should go to a reputable medical institution and consult a professional doctor. Do not believe the advertisements of some organizations.
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