Pelvic Floor Health

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The pelvic floor consists of layers of muscles surrounding your vagina and rectum that stretch to act like a supportive hammock from your pubic bone (in front) to your tailbone (in back). These muscles support your bladder, uterus and bowel and are the same muscles you contract to stop peeing or squeeze during vaginal intercourse. During pregnancy and birth, your pelvic floor muscles stretch and may become weakened. For some women, this can cause urine to leak (urinary incontinence) for months to years after childbirth. A weakened pelvic floor can also allow your pelvic organs to drop from their usual position (uterine prolapse). If your pelvic floor becomes weakened during pregnancy, pelvic floor exercises (i.e., kegel exercises) can strengthen your muscles and make it less likely that you will be incontinent or experience prolapse after birth. There is not a clear consensus however on how long and how often to do pelvic floor exercises.

For more information about the pelvic floor muscles including diagrams, videos, and step-by-step instructions on how to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, please see the links below.