After her first pregnancy, Angela gave birth to a beautiful 7 lb, 3 oz, baby girl. More than six months after leaving the hospital, baby was healthy and thriving, however, the same couldn’t be said for Mom. Mentally, she was full of joy over being a mom, but physically…well, physically, she just didn’t feel right.
For one thing, every time she laughed or coughed, she leaked urine. Her first attempt at going for a run after giving birth had ended in so much leakage, that she was anxious that she might never be able to run again. Before attempting the run, she had told her Ob/Gyn about the leaking issue at her six-week follow up appointment. Her doctor response was she had just had a baby, a little leaking was normal, and to do her kegels.
Then her doctor cleared her for resuming sex and exercise, which brings us to the other reason Angela “wasn’t feeling quite right.” Before baby, she and her husband had had a great sex life, now, however, for Angela sex was painful.
After two more appointments with her doctor, and being told that everything was fine, Angela figured she had better start getting used to her new “normal.” Painful sex, no more running, and “moderate” incontinence. “Oh well, I guess it’s all part of having kids,” she thought..
Angela is one of millions of new Moms who believe that postpartum symptoms are all part of a new normal they must learn to live with. And its no wonder as in general, their complaints are dismissed by both the medical community and society.
The reason I decided to write this post is to let you know that Angela’s symptoms and the host of other symptoms new moms can face after pregnancy and delivery are far from “normal!” In fact, the vast majority of common postpartum issues can be helped by a physical therapist who specializes in postpartum and pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Common Postpartum Pelvic Floor Problems
When a woman goes through a pregnancy and delivers a baby, her pelvic floor muscles, fascia, and nerves are put through the wringer. And that’s during an uncomplicated and normal pregnancy and childbirth!
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