Why Seeing a Pelvic Health Physio After Vaginal Birth (Especially with Instrumental Delivery) is Essential
- Yee Yeoman
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Welcoming a baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it’s also a major event for your body. Whether your birth was straightforward or involved interventions such as forceps, your pelvic floor undergoes significant strain. That’s why seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist postpartum is essential to assess your recovery and ensure you are engaging in appropriate rehabilitation.
Understanding Your Pelvic Floor Post-Birth
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that provide support to your bladder, bowel, and uterus while also playing a crucial role in core stability and sexual function. During a vaginal birth, these muscles stretch considerably to allow for delivery. In some cases, particularly with instrumental births, the strain on the pelvic floor can be more significant, leading to tears, muscle damage, or even a condition known as levator ani muscle avulsion.
What Is a Levator Ani Muscle Avulsion?
Levator ani avulsion occurs when part of the pelvic floor muscle, which attaches to the pubic bone, detaches due to the significant force required during delivery. This is more common after an assisted vaginal birth with forceps. The implications of this injury vary—some women may not experience noticeable symptoms initially, while others may have pelvic floor weakness, prolapse symptoms, or difficulty engaging their muscles effectively.
Should You Be Doing Pelvic Floor Exercises?
Many postpartum women are encouraged to start pelvic floor exercises (often called Kegels) soon after birth, but it’s important to determine whether they are appropriate for you. If you have a levator ani avulsion or other birth-related trauma, contracting the pelvic floor too soon may pull on the affected area, delaying healing or causing further discomfort. In some cases, allowing time for tissue recovery is more beneficial than immediately starting strengthening exercises.
A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess:
If you have a levator ani avulsion or other injuries
Whether pelvic floor exercises are beneficial or if rest is needed first
How to engage your muscles correctly without compensating in ways that could lead to further issues
Strategies to support healing and regain function safely
The Importance of an Individualised Approach
Every postpartum recovery journey is unique. What works for one woman may not be suitable for another, particularly when dealing with instrumental deliveries. A pelvic health physiotherapist will tailor an approach based on your specific recovery needs, ensuring you heal properly before progressing to strengthening exercises.
If you've recently given birth—especially if forceps was involved—booking a pelvic health assessment should be a priority. Ensuring you recover correctly now can help prevent long-term issues such as prolapse, incontinence, or ongoing pelvic pain.
Taking the time to check in with a specialist can make all the difference in how you heal and regain strength. If you're unsure whether pelvic floor exercises are right for you, let’s assess your recovery and create a plan tailored to your body’s needs.
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