Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Here we are, ladies! Your little one is growing well, you are gradually finding your feet and settling into new routines. And soon, you'll need to do your pelvic floor rehabilitation! Not the most thrilling of steps, we'll grant you that — but it is absolutely essential for preventing all sorts of complications. We tell you all about it in this article!

A few things to know about the pelvic floor

Even though it's less of a taboo subject these days, many women still don't really know what the pelvic floor is. It is a zone often compared to a kind of "hammock". It extends from the pubic bone to the coccyx. This group of muscles plays an essential role, as it supports the weight of the internal organs. When a pregnant woman puts on weight, the pelvic floor is put under considerable strain — and it's often only at that point that one becomes aware of this area at all! A sensation of heaviness, pelvic pain, and so on. Once the birth is over, midwives advise waiting before beginning pelvic floor rehabilitation. Around six weeks to two months after the birth.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation: a crucial step!

It is very important to carry out this post-partum pelvic floor rehabilitation. It helps prevent many problems that can otherwise appear with age — and even much sooner, during sport, or sometimes even during everyday activities. This rehabilitation helps reduce the risk of:

• Urinary leaks
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Reduced sensation during intercourse
• Lower back pain
• Weakened abdominal muscles

The different methods available

There are mainly 3 methods for carrying out pelvic floor rehabilitation:

1. Vaginal probe: this must be carried out by your midwife or physiotherapist. Small electrical stimulations are used to strengthen your pelvic floor.

2. Biofeedback: this is a device that measures the tone of your pelvic floor. There are various small exercises to perform according to the biofeedback readings.

3. Manual method: this can be carried out by a professional, but also by yourself. This vaginal touch technique involves visualising mental images (a bridge, doors, a wave…) in order to work the muscles.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is extremely important. After your sessions with your doctor, continue this rehabilitation at home. There are a few tools that can help you, such as Kegel balls, rehabilitation eggs, toning devices and much more.