Pelvic floor issues after childbirth are not normal and can be fixed, experts say

BOSTON - Experts say that while pelvic floor issues are common for women after childbirth they should not have to live with pelvic discomfort.

A new survey by Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute found that most Americans believe it's normal for women to experience pelvic pain, pressure, and incontinence after giving birth.  

However, experts say these are signs of pelvic floor issues that affect about a third of women and that they are not normal. In other words, they are common but not something women should have to live with.  

They say the pelvic floor muscles are similar to the biceps and calf muscles and can be strengthened, lengthened, and relaxed with proper exercises, which can improve pelvic floor dysfunction. If you are experiencing any of these ailments, talk to your provider about seeing a pelvic floor therapist.

In:
• Health
• Childbirth

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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