C sections and the pelvic floor - help!

[izzzie]

Hello
This is a question for mums who've had c-sections. To what extent did you find it protected your pelvic floor and reduced incontinence?(urinary and faecal)
I am 21 weeks pregnant with my first baby and the more I read the more worried I am getting about the prospect of incontinence.
I already have a very weak bladder (i am working on it with kegels and retraining) and I want to do everything possible to avoid things getting worse after childbirth. (I don't leak but i need the loo 10-15 times a day; three to five times a night)
I saw an obs who said that it isn't actually childbirth, but carrying the baby in pregnancy, that damages the pelvic floor, but from what i've read since, i'm not sure this is totally true.
I am a really keen runner and since four months into the pregnancy I haven't been able to run because it makes me feel like i need the toilet. The thought that I might have to give up running after childbirth, and suffer long term incontinence after birth makes me feel totally anxious and depressed.
any advice anyone? Although I would rather have a natural childbirth, I would be prepared to pay for an elective c-section privately if people think it would help preserve my poor old pelvic floor.
Thank you...

Not had a section myself but my Obs also said that a csection will only give you limited protection to the pelvic floor as it's also affected by the carrying the baby

He did say that a long pushing stage would be v bad for pelvic floor

I had two cs.
Pelvic floor fine and no problems post birth,although I was told like you that it's the weight of the baby pressing down during pregnancy that can create problems. I would seek out further advice from specialists.

Sorry but I don't think it will - I have had 2 c-sections, and still have pelvic floor problems - it's pregnancy that causes them. Mine aren't bad - I have to clench before I sneeze to avoid leakage, and I used to pee myself when in the throes of vomiting whilst pregnant with my second (TMI maybe)

Have you actually seen anyone about your bladder weakness? Because if you are not leaking but just having to go very often then that sounds like a chemical issue (in that your bladder is sending messages to your brain that it is full too often) rather than a problem with your pelvic floor muscles.

I had an e-cs, no probs with pelvic floor but i got to fully dilated only before cs, no pushing.

Surely cs itself will affect your running, i was a keen runner before DS and didnt run for about 6 months after, and only tentatively then. Did snowboard after 3 months but definitely odd twinges and feelings that weren't there before.

Did find that the fact of having a big operation did affect my mental confidence in my body, having never had any ops/injuries previous. This really surprised me as i'm normally v. gung ho and not woos like in trying/doing physical things.

Not trying to put you off but there is defo more to a cs then the physical effects and you should at least also consider this into your decision making.

I had a c section first, natural second

have to admit I had more leaking after the first

I would absolutely not have a section by choice unless you want to spend three months in pain afterwards

oh god yes and you won't be able to run after a c section

you will barely be able to walk

it's major surgery

had c.s first and natural second ....no difference pelvic floor wise

good you are doing your excercises, it is pregnancy too that affects the pelvic floor, although a prolonged second stage can excacerbate any issues

a c.s is major surgery and will not guarantee that you will be free from incontinence issues, if you are having problems already

maybe you can get a referral to a specialist in this area, to make sure you prevent as much as you can and then have the right help afterwards