How pregnancy can affect your body

When you think of pelvic floor issues, pregnancy and having babies usually comes to mind. Good news, it is possible to optimise your post-natal pelvic health before and while you are pregnant to prevent future problems!



The last thing I want to do is to frighten anyone about the negative things that can happen with pregnancy and giving birth. I think pregnancy is a beautiful experience and I am personally excited about that one day when I might be lucky enough to have my own children. However, I do feel very strongly about the importance of knowing about these conditions in advance for prevention purposes! Please take the time to educate yourself and get to know your body in order to optimise your delivery and post-natal function. 

Carrying a baby inside your tummy and (practically on top of) your pelvic floor for 9 months can put these muscles under significant stress, regardless of the type of delivery that you have. This alone can cause weakness and spasm of the muscles and lead to incontinence and future problems. 


These are some of the changes that happen to the body during pregnancy:

  • Increased ligament laxity
During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released which helps to increase the stretchiness of the joints. This is targeted at the joints of the lower back and pelvis to allow widening for baby's head to pass through, however it can affect other joints as well. 
  • Postural changes
As baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward and can increase the curve in your lower back if you allow it to. This can increase stress on the muscles, discs and joints in the back. 
  • Hormonal changes
This can affect the motility of your intestines and increase constipation. Straining with hard stool can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor and also stretch the ligaments supporting the organs of the pelvis (bladder, uterus and bowel). 


Possible problems associated with pregnancy:

 Pelvic Pain, SIJ, Sciatica and Lower Back Pain
Perineal Tearing post Vaginal Delivery
Rectus Diastasis (Separation of the abdominal muscles)
Post-Natal Dyspareunia 

 Pelvic Floor Muscle weakness post-natally can also contribute to:
Stress Urinary Incontinence 
Urge Incontinence and Overactive Bladder
Faecal Incontinence
Pelvic Organ Prolapse

 (More info to come on each condition)

 Start protecting your pelvic floor right now by being aware of these Everyday Factors that might be putting you at risk. However, be sure to check with your family doctor before beginning any new exercise programs. 

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