Is it necessary to repair the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth?

Jul 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

It has been a month since I gave birth, and I am currently in the postpartum recovery period (sitting the month). I would like to ask whether pelvic floor muscle repair is generally necessary after childbirth, and whether it can heal on its own.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
It is highly necessary to repair the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles are tissues that support important organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum, and their condition directly affects women's quality of life. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles can sustain varying degrees of damage, leading to pelvic floor muscle relaxation, which may subsequently cause problems such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. These issues not only affect women's physical health but may also impose psychological burdens. The optimal time for pelvic floor muscle repair is usually 42 days postpartum, and should not be delayed beyond three months after childbirth. Timely pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation exercises, such as Kegel exercises and pelvic floor electrical stimulation, can effectively promote recovery of the pelvic floor muscles and help prevent and treat related conditions.