You can help to prevent this by focusing on the relaxation part of your pelvic floor exercises.
Pelvic floor exercises after birth.
Regular pelvic floor and deep stomach muscle exercises can help to reduce the size of the separation between your stomach muscles.
If the gap is still obvious 8 weeks after the birth contact the gp as you may be at risk of back problems.
If your birth was slightly more complicated and required an episiotomy forceps or ventouse then you may be more likely to feel the.
During a vaginal birth your pelvic floor will experience the biggest load ever placed on it.
Wait for 10 seconds before starting again.
Having a well toned pelvic floor also enhances feeling in your vagina making sex and orgasm more satisfying sacomori and cardoso 2015.
You can minimise the risk of these developing with some careful precautions.
Pelvic floor exercises offer women many benefits including a lower risk of vaginal prolapse better bowel and bladder control and improved recovery after childbirth.
They can be safely started one to two days following the birth of your baby provided there is no increase in your pain.
Returning to sport or exercise after birth.
Daily pelvic floor exercises help you to regain control of your bladder and bowel after your baby s birth macarthur and ismail 2014.
The gp can refer you to a physiotherapist who will give you some specific exercises to do.
So it s no wonder that studies show an average of 25 35 reduction in pelvic floor strength following birth.
After you have tightened your pelvic floor make sure that you let go completely before starting a new contraction.
Pelvic floor and deep abdominal exercises will help you return to your pre pregnancy shape and assist with healing around any stitches you may have.
A gentle push out at the end of the contraction can help with this.