During pregnancy, there is a large amount of pressure placed on the pelvic floor muscles. Imagine the pelvis is like a trampoline; the rim being the bones of the pelvis, the springs being the ligaments and the mat being the pelvic floor muscles. The weight of the growing baby, hormonal changes and weight gain, weaken and stretch the mat and the springs, which is exacerbated further by vaginal birth. It is well known that weakness of the pelvic floor muscles (the mat) can lead to the development of poor control of the bladder and bowel (incontinence) and pelvic organ prolapse.

Stacey came to see one of our Physio’s at WMHP for help with her bladder control. She was feeling very embarrassed, and was avoiding catching up with friends or going to Mothers Group because she was scared of having an accident. She was feeling very overwhelmed ...