Pelvic Floor Health

Ladies, how many of you know about taking care of your pelvic floor? How many of you actually know what your pelvic floor is and what it does? Don’t worry I am here to help and give you some guidance.

Most women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction after giving birth and some women never experience pregnancy and birth and still have pelvic floor dysfunction. This is common and you are not alone. Do not be afraid to bring up this issue to your trainer or OBGYN.

My fellow fitness professional Kati Grimes-MS, CPT recently went through her first pregnancy and wanted to share on this topic. “The pelvic floor is the base of the core and supports organs such as the bladder and uterus. Pregnancy, in addition to other events, is a primary cause for a weakened pelvic floor because it has to support a growing baby too.

A weakened or injured pelvic floor can create a myriad of dysfunction we see as urinary incontinence, painful sex, and prolapse.” Basically, dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak, tight, or torn. By incorporating pelvic floor exercises into your workout routine, you can relieve back pain, have more control over your bladder and bowel function, and reduce the risk of prolapse.

I myself have a weak pelvic floor and I am thirty years old and have never had a child. It was something I was never aware of growing up that I needed to focus on as I had a very flexible low back but never had the deep core strength to protect it, hence why now in my life I am having to take control of this issue. It is a daily task I make sure I tackle to help strengthen my pelvic floor.

So, ladies educate yourselves on the pelvic floor and if you need help seek out a professional. You can begin with your personal trainer who then can evaluate you and see if you need to be referred to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist.