Pregnancy and childbirth change your body, and it takes time to get back to normal. Get plenty of rest and seek help from family and friends. Getting regular exercise can also help. It is important to wait until the perineum and abdominal scar are healed before having sex.
Recent studies on bacterial pathogens have characterized key virulence factors for several diseases of the uterus, including metritis and endometritis. These bacteria cause pathological inflammation in the uterus.
Diastasis recti
In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) naturally separate to make room for a growing baby. This occurs because of hormones, the physical effects of carrying a baby, and stress on the muscles from the belly of the uterus. When the muscles return to their normal position after delivery, the gap can be healed with time. But for some women, the abdominal muscles never fully close. This condition is called Diastasis recti. The most common sign of diastasis is a stomach bulge or protrusion, which can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, a hernia may form in the midline of the abdomen, which can be dangerous and require medical attention.
Many people with diastasis recti have no symptoms, but it can cause pain when they strain. It can also lead to low back pain, bowel issues, and urinary incontinence. In some cases, it can even aggravate the scarring from a C-section.
Diastasis recti can be fixed with the right exercises and lifestyle changes. One 2021 study found that an exercise program for abdominal and pelvic floor muscles reduced the width of the muscle separation in eight women who had given birth within the previous year. The program included stretching, core and hip-strengthening exercises, and breathing techniques. But the results were inconsistent, and a combination of factors could affect the success of an exercise program.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Pregnancy and childbirth can wreak havoc on your pelvic muscles and organs. Supportive pelvic tissues weaken throughout pregnancy and are strained by labor and delivery, with varying degrees of perineal trauma occurring naturally (lacerations) or iatrogenically (episiotomy).
Depending on the route of birth, abdominal muscles can separate along the linea alba – a thin band of connective tissue that runs down the front of the abdomen – creating an unnatural alignment and putting pressure on your core muscles. These changes can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, bowel obstructions, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction.
While many of these issues resolve on their own or with time, some women may need to seek treatment. Whether you have leakage of urine or stool, pain while coughing or laughing, an unusual bulge in the lower pelvic area, or sexual dysfunction, the team at Ruth Health can help. Our pelvic floor rehabilitation program can restore your weak, damaged muscles and alleviate your symptoms, allowing you to return to your normal life activities. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you feel your best!
C-section scars
During a C-section, your doctor makes an incision (usually horizontally but occasionally vertically) into the low abdomen, just above the pubic hair line. The scar is a reminder of the major surgery you went through to deliver your baby. It is important to keep the scar clean and dry, so that it will not get infected. You may need to use a special product to prevent infection, such as cornstarch, until the incision site heals.
You should also try to avoid rubbing the area or picking at it. A numbness and tingling in the area may be normal and should go away on its own over time. If it doesn’t, ask your doctor for advice.
Many women develop thick scars at the c-section incision site, known as hypertrophic or keloid scars. These are harmless but can be unsightly. Your doctor can give you a prescription to reduce the inflammation and flatten the scar, or steroid injections can be used.
A good diet and regular exercise will help your body heal. You should also avoid any activity that could strain your abdominal muscles and uterus until you have healed completely. If you must exercise, try walking and avoiding any sudden movements. You should also get the okay from your doctor to start lifting or bending. And be sure to slather the scar with sunscreen; too much sun can darken the scar.
Lochia
Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of childbirth, and it’s called lochia. It’s the body’s way of shedding the thick uterine lining that supported your baby throughout pregnancy. Your body will go through three stages of lochia, which can last for up to six weeks.
The first stage is lochia rubra, which is bright red bleeding and can have the consistency of menstrual blood. It may also contain clots. It can last for a few days and may be accompanied by period-like cramping as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. It can also be accompanied by vaginal infections, so women should use a form of birth control until it stops.
After a few days, your lochia will start to lighten and can become pinkish brown or yellowish. It can still have a stringy texture and may contain sloughed tissue from the placenta or uterus lining. It typically smells like menstrual blood, although some describe it as being metallic, sour or stale. It should not smell fishy or foul, as this could be a sign of infection.
After a few more days, your lochia will turn to a pale yellowish color and becomes watery or white. It can last for up to two or more weeks, and it is mostly white blood cells that help your uterus heal after delivery. 产后 修复