The majority of people are not aware of what or where the pelvic floor is, let alone what to do about female pelvic floor problems.  Simply put, for women, the pelvic floor consists of the muscles that are responsible for urination, bowel movements, and vaginal childbirth.  With pregnancy, some women may experience pelvic floor weakness, which can contribute to urine or bowel incontinence.  

Incontinence-- the involuntary loss of urine or bowel (feces) during and following pregnancy can be concerning and potentially embarrassing.  Some pregnant women may experience incontinence because of increased pressure and weakness in the pelvic floor area.  Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) focuses on strengthening the muscles in the pelvic floor.  Pelvic floor muscle training is provided by physical therapists that specialize in women's health.

 

In a study published in Nature Clinical Practice Urology, a review of pelvic floor muscle training research studies showed that exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor appear helpful for women with incontinence during and after childbirth.  In fact, pelvic floor muscle training is recommended for the prevention and treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence during pregnancy and following childbirth.  If you are interested in participating in pelvic floor muscle training, ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist who specializes and has additional training in PFMT and women's health.