Why is postpartum recovery important?
During the lifetime of a woman the vagina, the abdominal wall and pelvic organs undergo significant changes. One of the most spectacular biological adaptations is the transformation of the pelvic floor, the pelvic floor muscles and the vagina to prepare for the labour/delivery and their regeneration to normal condition after delivery. Delivery takes a huge toll on women’s pelvic floors.
The vagina expands significantly during delivery, and also the pelvic muscle goes through a similar expansion. The course of the expansion often results in severe muscular injuries that may affect the entire pelvic floor. This is true for natural birth as well as during caesarean section after labour. After normal delivery, a quarter of women suffer from a degree of incontinence, prolapse or vaginal laxity due to the weakening of the pelvic muscles. The weakened, damaged muscle can even have a negative effect on sexual intercourse. These changes affect women’s general well-being.
At a younger age the body quickly regenerates the affected muscles, but later in menopause, prolapse and urinary incontinence may recur as a result of the general weakness of the connective tissue and muscles due to aging. The most critical phase of maternal recovery is the first 12 months after delivery. This period is unique: this specific hormonal and immune state does not occur again at any other time.