to ask wtf happened to my pelvic floor!!

[holikka]

I had a baby 8 months ago. He was only 5lbs and the labour was very fast (2 hours from being induced to giving birth). I did my pelvic floors religiously and still do. But I still need to wear pads. If I need a wee and can't get to the loo quickly I leak. I leak a bit overnight which I hate. What's going on? Please tell me this is normal? Are there any sort of pelvic floor trainer devices out there that actually work as I'm not getting very far, and starting to feel quite low?

You need to ask your gp for a referral to a urogynaecologist and a physio, this might not be something you can easily sort yourself. The physio should be able to assess your pelvic floor and also make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly. In the meantime, be aware that it takes a good 18 months for your pelvic area to recover after birth and for everything to go back to where it was, so it may get a bit better over time. Be kind to your body whilst it’s healing- no running, very heavy lifting (obviously not easy with a small baby, but avoid moving big furniture etc), boot camp or anything like that. Also know that you are not alone, loads of women have similar problems but we never talk about it!

Also, don’t feel bad if the exercises don’t work- they don’t for everyone. My prolapse was the result of weak connective tissue, which couldn’t be fixed with pelvic floor exercises. I had surgery instead (which wasn’t as scary as it sounds but does need to wait until you’re done having kids).
You might well be sorted with a decent physio, but if not then don’t blame yourself. A urogynaecologist should be able to give you other options.

GP referral to pelvic floor physio. Do it!!