On the Blog: C-Section ≠ Pelvic Floor Protection: Why You Still Need to Prepare
Think a caesarean birth means your pelvic floor is safe? It’s not that simple. While a c-section may reduce the risk of tearing, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction.
The Overlooked Truth
The pelvic floor is under load for 9 months of pregnancy, regardless of birth mode.
Abdominal surgery impacts core recovery, pelvic support, and can still cause incontinence.
Many women post-caesarean experience urgency, leaking, or pain with intercourse symptoms.
The Inconvenient Truth
Many care providers don't want you to know that you can choose to have a C-section birth for a variety of reasons. And that an elective C-section birth can reduce the rates of pelvic floor and birth trauma. Women having individualised birth choices is what I care about, and those that want a C-section should not be denied that choice.
Especially if they have significant risk factors like gestational diabetes, over 35 years old at first birth, or are of south asian descent. These things can all increase your risk of complications during birth and injury to your pelvic floor, and need to be considered when you decide how to give birth.
My experience?
I’ve worked with many women who had risk factors, and chose a C-section. They were extremely happy with their choice, had no birth trauma and a good recovery. I have also worked with many women with risk factors where a vaginal birth was really important to them, and they have had great births. There are so many varied experiences and feeling supported in your choices is the most important thing.
Why You Still Need to Prepare
Pelvic floor preparation can:
Reduce incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum
Support a smoother recovery (even from abdominal birth)
Empower you with body awareness and confidence
YOUR BIRTH CHOICE MATTERS
Whether you're planning a vaginal birth or a caesarean, your pelvic floor needs support. Start with Pelvic Floor Prep for Birth today and feel stronger from the inside out. My course has a whole lesson on C-section recovery, so you’ll be prepared no matter what your birth outcome.
