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pregnancy fitness & childbirth preparation - pelvic floor & preparing the perineum
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Pelvic Floor Exercises
The muscles of the Pelvic floor are extremely important for the support of the internal organs as well as
bladder and bowel function. The muscles can become strained and weakened
during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to Pelvic floor dysfunction and
continence problems (amongst others). If you'd like to read more about the importance of
Pelvic floor muscles and see this online guide to Pelvic Floor Exercises
from Women's Health Victoria.
| Pregnancy & the Pelvic Floor |
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| Better Childbirth - Preparing the Perineum |
Preparing the Perineum
Many women are often concerned about the physical challenge of birthing a baby, particularly the crowning of the baby's head. The crowning
refers to the widest diameter of the baby's head as it journey’s through the birth canal.
A pregnant woman may well become anxious about her ability to push her baby out when her time comes. Some women having their first baby experience perineal tears, or require an episiotomy. An "Episiotomy" is the use of surgical scissors to cut the vagina to enlarge the opening for the delivery of the baby. Once a cut has been made it is the weakest area and as the baby's head continues to apply pressure it is now more likely to tear. Most women are very capable of birthing their baby, but there are steps that can be taken to prepare the perineum for birth.
Perineal injuries can lead to discomfort, a longer post natal recovery period and to long-term incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
Strategies that women can use to minimise stress to the perineum include:
- choosing a caregiver; midwife or doctor who encourages perineal preparation and is motivated to avoid the use of episiotomy unless clearly medically indicated
- using a "childbirth trainer" or practising "perineal massage" (ask your caregiver for more information)
- ask questions at your childbirth and parenting education classes
- avoid the supine or laying down on back position during birth as it increases pressure on the perineum
- avoid the use of an epidural ?because the woman will be confined to bed, restricted in her choices of position for birth, and the epidural may reduce her ability to push
Childbirth is a marathon physical event and preparation is essential.
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