Pregnancy Loss and the Pelvis
Pregnancy and infant loss is a not well-addressed component of the pelvic floor health world. It’s an important topic to bring up though, because the pregnant person who has to undergo this awful and physically/emotionally draining event in their lives requires support. A person who undergoes the loss of an infant or pregnancy not only went through all of the changes that accompanies a pelvis but the hormonal changes that happen with pregnancy and birth as well. When someone gives birth, their body is hard-wired to search and look for a baby to care for and keep alive. When their bodies cannot find said child, there is a hormonal cascade that affects not only their mental health but the physical body healing, as well.
For the body to have the shifts and changes of the pregnancy itself, the changes within the pelvis are dependent on how far the pregnancy progressed. For those within the first 20 weeks, the loss of the fetus is called a “miscarriage.” This, not only, shifts and changes hormones— but changes to the pelvic floor. Depending on the reason for miscarriage at this time, things like: adhesions, pelvic scarring, and internal bleeding (as in the case of “ectopic pregnancy”) can be present.
The loss of pregnancy between 20-28 weeks is referred to a “stillbirth.” When this happens, the body has shifted hormonally and has had changes in the pelvis, as if to prepare for labor and the birthing process. Because of this, there are pelvic complications that can occur from carrying the fetus in the womb. Some of the muscular changes that can happen within the pelvic floor can cause symptoms like: urinary leakage, pelvic pain with intercourse (and more,) scar tissue within the womb and/or abdominal wall due to the carrying of the infant. The changes and alterations within the pelvic floor and the womb also vary based on if the pregnant person is induced into labor to deliver the stillborn baby versus if the baby will be delivered via caesarean section. With both of these births, the pregnant person undergoes the physical changes that would occur to carried-to-term postpartum pelvis— changes which might receive more attention and referrals for healing. While enduring the unfathomable emotions of such an experience surrounded by grief and mourning, physical postpartum care and pelvic physical therapy might personally be processed as a lesser priority.
Due to the trauma and loss that occurs during this time, there is a connection with energy work that can be extremely beneficial to person (or couple) experiencing this loss. Energy work and womb space work can be necessary for recovery. Often, we store trauma, energy and loss with in the womb energy, through targeted energy work and reconnecting with this sacred body space the persons experiencing this loss can find some semblance of peace, if not at minimum the self-care required to recover from such devastation.
Because the person who has endured miscarriage or a stillbirth has experienced pregnancy, labor/delivery, and childbirth, their pelvises can also have the same effects. It’s so important that this is being discussed, people who have suffered from miscarriage or stillbirth deserve appropriate help. Physically, mentally and beyond.
If you are local to the Monmouth/Ocean county area of New Jersey and are feeling in need of additional mental and emotional assistance after a birth contact the Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders; they can also be reached via phone at 732-923-5573.
If you are experiencing any physical changes (pain, changes, or discomfort,) or are in need of a physical therapy after a miscarriage or a stillbirth, a physical therapist can help.
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