The pelvic floor is important for bladder and bowel control and for increase satisfaction during sex. Weak pelvic floor muscles do not support the pelvic organs correctly, which along with bladder and bowel weakness, can lead to prolapse (dropping of the uterus, bladder or bowel).

The first 24 hours after the birth

  • Empty your bladder every couple of hours. The feeling of wanting to pass urine may not return straight away. You must tell your midwife if you are unable to empty your bladder within six hours following delivery.
  • Do short pelvic floor muscle squeezes at first. It will help any swelling to go down and can help to heal tears and stitches. Lying on your side is a comfortable position to start exercising.
  • Keep the perineum clean and dry until healed using only warm water to wash. Do not use any creams, gels or soap in the area as they can cause infection and irritation to new skin. Stitches should dissolve within 10-14 days – discomfort should reduce daily. If not, please ask your midwife or GP to check them at your post-natal appointments.
  • Use medication as advised by your midwife or doctor if your perineum (the area between the vagina and back passage) is uncomfortable. This will help to keep you mobile, which in turn helps the healing process.
  • Refer to the Perineal care booklet provided on the ward.
  • You could also try using an ice-pack – this will help to reduce swelling and discomfort and ease bruising. When you are at home you can use a damp frozen pantyliner or a ready-made gel ice pack in a damp clean flannel and placing it on the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) for 5 minutes, while you are lying down. Do not sit on it.

Caution: ice can burn so do not leave it in place for longer than five minutes.

  • If you have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels after delivery please ask your GP /Midwife to refer you to Women’s Health physiotherapy. You may feel worried about emptying your bowels for the first time.
  • Using a wad of toilet paper or maternity pad, support the area just in front of your back passage to support it while you gently bear down with a series of short pushes (rather than straining).

You must tell your midwife if:

  • you can’t pass any wee or
  • if there is no sensation to need to wee or
  • you are leaking wee when you stand or move around