Women can experience a range of postpartum physical conditions due to the stress pregnancy puts on the body. Postpartum pelvic pain is one such condition and results from the damaging of pelvic muscles and tissues during childbirth. While symptoms may develop during pregnancy, the stretching of the pelvic floor allowing the baby to pass through cause bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, or rectal prolapse, which may trigger postpartum symptoms.
Postpartum Pelvic Pain Video: Common symptoms, causes and treatment timelines.
Areas Postpartum Pelvic Pain Can Affect:
The pelvic floor plays a part in supporting several body parts and functions, including:
- Bowel movements
- Urination
- Uterine function
- Vaginal contraction during sex
Common Postpartum Pelvic Pain Symptoms Include:
Childbirth can cause a weakening or loosening of the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in pain and less control over these functions.
- Difficulty urinating
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements and gas
- Pelvic pain during bowel movements
- Pain during Intercourse
Areas of Pain :
Sacroiliac Joint Pain: These joints connect the base of the spine to the hip bones. Sacral pain can occur after pregnancy or childbirth when the joints become too loose or tight.
Coccygodynia: Tailbone-related pain can occur when sitting on hard surfaces and can be the result of the high pressure on the pelvis during childbirth.
Piriformis Syndrome: This buttock muscle can spasm and potentially irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and the foot.
Common Postpartum Pelvic Pain Risk Factors:
- Gender
- Vaginal Delivery
- Prolonged/Complicated Labor
- History of Shoulder Dystocia
- Coccyx/Tailbone Injury
- Diastasis Recti – Prolapse
- SI Joint Dysfunction
- Pubic Symphysis
For some mothers, postpartum physical therapy can be effective in treating pelvic pain symptoms. Therapy can include physical exercises that patients should practice during sessions and at home.
We create customized treatment plans combining physical therapy, holistic healing, and traditional medicine for each patient. Our goal is to relieve your pelvic symptoms so you can focus on taking care of your family.
