Why see a pelvic physio after a Cesarean birth

Are you wondering whether pelvic physiotherapy has any benefits after Cesarean births? The answer is YES!

Even though pelvic physiotherapists are known for assessing and treating the pelvic floor, there are a few reasons as to why you should seek this treatment after you have had a Cesarean birth.

First, your pelvic floor can become weakened through pregnancy when the weight of the womb is constantly putting a strain on it. It can get stretched out and weakened because of this strain. Therefore, it is a great idea to get your pelvic floor TONE and STRENGTH assessed to make sure it is functioning optimally.

Second, during pregnancy, the uterus compresses the bladder, causing it to get squished to the bottom of the pelvic floor. Subsequently, this can make you leak and feel like you need to urinate frequently. For some people, the bladder does not recover its position automatically once the pregnancy ends and they need to get manual therapy to help this issue. I have used manual therapy to realign many bladders, helping women to reduce urgency, frequency and leakage.

Picture on right side shows baby’s head pressing down on bladder

Finally, since you have had major abdominal surgery, the incision could have fascial adhesions around it, causing potential fascial restriction in the abdominal/pelvic cavities and in the surrounding organs. This type of fascial restriction can lead to digestive issues, abdominal weakness, lower back pain and pain during intercourse.

For these reasons, I do advise women to get both their abdomens and C-section scars checked out 8-10 weeks after having had their babies.

To book an appointment for your own personal consultation, please contact me for more information!

By Mia Dang, PT / a registered physiotherapist with extensive supplementary training in pelvic floor physiotherapy and perinatal care