A–Z Glossary

Pelvic floor physiotherapy

Individualized therapy that assesses and treats pelvic floor symptoms affecting continence, pressure, pain, bowel function, or bladder function.

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Unexpected assisted delivery scenarios and plan changes

Unexpected assisted delivery scenarios and plan changes

When and why assisted delivery is used Assisted vaginal birth, also called operative or instrumental vaginal birth, is a vaginal birth completed with forceps or a vacuum device. It is usually considered when the cervix is fully dilated, the baby is low enough in the pelvis, and the clinician believes vaginal birth can be completed […]

Recovery differences between delivery types

Recovery differences between delivery types

Why delivery type changes recovery Postpartum recovery begins with the same broad physiologic transition for every birth: uterine involution, lochia, hormonal withdrawal, initiation of lactation if chosen or possible, sleep fragmentation, and cardiovascular fluid shifts. Delivery type adds a second layer: the location and severity of tissue injury. A spontaneous vaginal birth primarily stresses the […]

Exercises pelvic floor and stretching for labor

Exercises pelvic floor and stretching for labor

Understanding the pelvic floor in labor The pelvic floor is a layered group of muscles, connective tissue, and fascia forming the base of the pelvis. It supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel, contributes to continence, and helps stabilize the pelvis and trunk. During pregnancy, these tissues accommodate increasing load and hormonal changes. During vaginal birth, […]

Recovery after difficult birth story

Recovery after difficult birth story

Understanding why recovery may feel unusually difficult A difficult birth may involve several overlapping stressors rather than one isolated event. Examples include prolonged or obstructed labor, emergency cesarean delivery, forceps or vacuum assistance, episiotomy, severe perineal tearing, manual removal of the placenta, postpartum hemorrhage, infection, hypertensive complications, or an unexpected neonatal admission. Even when the […]