Often pregnant women feel that they are swamped with information regarding pelvic floor. This information is usually about having a tight pelvic floor, and strengthening these muscles in an attempt to prevent the side effects (such as incontinence) of ‘loose’ pelvic floor muscles after the birth. As a result some women have too much muscle tone in their pelvic floor, and most of us have never been told or taught to relax our pelvic floor!

In reality though, most of us have sufficient pelvic floor strength, but many of us are unaware of our pelvic floor muscles. It is important to have an awareness and a certain degree of muscle control of the pelvic floor – because knowing how to find and relax these muscles is just as important as learning to strengthen them. Relaxing the pelvic floor during labour makes space for the baby, aiding the birth process.

So what is the ‘pelvic floor’ exactly?? These are all the muscles that sit in the pelvic bowl, surrounded by the bony pelvis. These are the muscles that hold our insides in. Your Doula can demonstrate this with a pelvic model. The muscles join onto the bone at different places. There are many layers of muscle – and these can be felt in different ways and in different positions.

During your antenatal visits your Doula will discuss the activities that tighten and relax the pelvic floor, and can give you exercises to help with both. Your Doula can also offer information, practical advice and referrals for pelvic problems such as pubic symphysis pain.