C-Section and the Pelvic Floor

A planned or emergency C-section avoids the vaginal passage, which means the pelvic floor muscles themselves may not be directly stretched in the same way. However, this doesn’t mean recovery is necessarily “easier.”

With a C-section, your body still undergoes:

• Major abdominal surgery with stitches through skin, muscle, and uterus

• Core muscle weakness (especially lower abdominals and deep stabilisers)

• Scar tissue and adhesions that may affect mobility, posture, or comfort

• Pelvic floor changes from pregnancy itself (the weight of your growing baby and hormones can still weaken pelvic support, even without a vaginal birth)

  
  

Many women after C-section also notice pelvic floor symptoms like leakage or heaviness, especially when returning to exercise.

So, Which Recovery Is Harder?

There isn’t a simple answer. Both vaginal and C-section births involve recovery, just in different ways. The key difference is:

• Vaginal birth often places more strain directly on the pelvic floor.

• C-section often places more strain on the abdominal wall and scar healing.

Regardless of birth type, most women benefit from targeted pelvic health physiotherapy to restore strength, mobility, and confidence.

What Can Help You Recover Better?

Whether you’ve had a C-section or vaginal birth, you can support your pelvic floor recovery by:

• Getting a postnatal pelvic health assessment (ideally from 6 weeks postpartum)

• Learning how to properly activate and relax your pelvic floor

• Gradually rebuilding core strength

• Managing scar healing (perineal or C-section scar massage can help)

• Returning to exercise in a safe, progressive way

  
  

Your body is remarkable, and recovery is possible no matter what type of birth you’ve had. The most important step is not comparing yourself to others but listening to your body and seeking the right support.

If you’re unsure whether your pelvic floor is recovering well, book an appointment for a pelvic health physiotherapy check. We can guide you through safe exercises and personalised recovery strategies so you can return to the activities you love—whether that’s lifting your baby, going for a run, or just feeling like yourself again.