The muscles of the perineum, located between the anus and the vulva, keep the organs of the small pelvis (uterus, vagina...) in place. If they lose their tonicity, the organs may "descend" (prolapse) and cause urine leakage. The perineum also plays an important role in the quality of sexual life. Pregnancy and childbirth place great demands on the perineum. It is therefore important to be vigilant and to follow your perineal rehabilitation.
DURING PREGNANCY
You can become aware of your perineum by acting as if you were holding back from peeing or by inserting two fingers into the vagina to help you contract it.
HOW DOES PERINEAL REHABILITATION WORK?
The goal of the re-education is to give back all its tonicity to the region of the perineum. After childbirth, about ten sessions with a physiotherapist are reimbursed by social security. The goal is to regain awareness of the muscular area which includes the muscles of the anus, vagina and urethra. Your doctor will ask you to practice regular contraction exercises.
A catheter connected to a device that sends electrical impulses can also be used to re-muscle the vagina without having to make too much effort.
These sessions are very important: rehabilitation can help you avoid problems such as bladder weakness or prolapse.
AFTER THE BIRTH, WATCH OUT FOR EFFORTS!
After giving birth, your body is still fragile. The re-education sessions will allow, little by little, to tone it up. In the meantime, carry your baby as high as possible. If you wear it as a kangaroo, place it between your breasts. Avoid carrying heavy loads and don't lift any weight without first contracting your perineum and then your abdominals.
