Childbirth is a common cause of pelvic floor disorders, which can make life very uncomfortable for women after birth. Along with our experts, PETA DANIEL fills you in on pelvic floor disorders and how you can protect your pelvic floor
Words like ‘prolapse’ and ‘pelvic floor disorder’ can be terrifying to any pregnant woman, but these scary pregnancy-related issues can be avoided should you start preparing early. Cape Town gynaecologists, Dr Peter de Jong and Dr Elmarie Basson, help you to arm yourself with knowledge.
WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR?
The pelvic floor is made up of a range of different parts including the connective tissues, nerves, ligaments and, of course, muscles. The muscles attach to your pubic bone at the front of your pelvis and the tailbone at the back, forming a muscle ‘sling’. These muscles support the bladder, vagina, rectum and uterus. The vaginal opening, anus and urethra all pass through the pelvic floor muscles, and they therefore have a lot to do with the process of giving birth, as well as bladder and bowel control and functioning.
WHAT ARE PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS?
When the muscles, ligaments or connective tissues of the pelvic floor no longer function properly to support the organs above them, the organs can prolapse (or drop down). There are several types of pelvic floor disorders, which include the following:
Lack of bladder control.
Lack of bowel control.
Pelvic organ prolapse, where the organs like the uterus, bowel or bladder drop down into the vagina and cause a bulge to the vaginal canal. A prolapse can be fixed with surgery, but Dr Basson says that doctors only usually recommend it if the patient’s family is complete.
Lack of sexual function due to vaginal laxity.
SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS
Depending on the type of disorder, symptoms can include:
A constant, urgent need to urinate.
Urine leaking when coughing, sneezing or during exercise.
The bladder not emptying properly when urinating.
A bulge in the vagina or rectum.
Muscle spasms.
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Mamas&Papas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Mamas&Papas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 Bad Driving Habits
When you have to spend so much of the day in your car, you’re bound to develop a few less-than-perfect driving habits.
Dealing With Mouth Injuries
Few children make it through their childhood without a split lip or cut tongue. Although most mouth injuries aren’t severe, it’s always best to be prepared to treat them.
9 Early Signs You Have A ‘Passenger On Board'
Some women just know they are pregnant before any tests can confirm it, while other women are months into pregnancy without even noticing. Loren Stow reveals early signs that you may be in the family way.
Exercise
TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
The Road To Safety
All parents want their little ones to be secure; Katherine Swift explores car safety as you transport your most precious cargo around
Homework Headquarters
Encourage a positive attitude to homework by creating a designated homework area for your child
Activley Breaching The Fatherhood Gap
What does it mean to be a father? Fumani Shilubana looks at what it means to be a father, and ways one can be more involved in their child’s life
Homework Can It Be Done?
Assisting your child complete their homework tasks on time can be frustrating
Mommy Emergency
Do you know when to call the doctor or when to rush to the ER? LOREN STOW has the right advice for moms who need a little reassurance
From Pregnancy To Back-To-School Blues
Whether it is for managing morning sickness or treating lice, GOGO has a few remedies in her cupboard that will help stressed out moms !
