"So why didn’t anyone tell me this could happen when I have a baby?”

That’s a good question.  Let’s face it: the care of a woman’s pelvic floor has not received much attention.  Yet, a male patient prior to undergoing a prostate procedure is informed of the potential risk to his pelvic floor (yes, men have them too!).  So why isn’t a mom informed about the potential risks of childbirth to her pelvic floor?

Well, let’s start now.  Here are some of the facts that could be mentioned to moms before they have a have a baby:

• Of  the 3 million women who have vaginal deliveries each year in
  the U.S.,  5% to 30% will become incontinent of urine, according to
  Dr. Magnus Murphy in Pelvic Health & Childbirth.
  
  
• Overall prevalence of fecal incontinence has been reported to approach 20%, according to the National Institutes of Health in the U.S.
  
  
• About 10% to 20% of women who have a vaginal delivery will be bothered by prolapse by the time they reach the age of fifty.
  
  
• An Australian study found that one in five women took longer than six months after giving birth to have comfortable intercourse, writes
  Dr. Roger Goldberg in Ever Since I Had My Baby.
  
  
• A U.K. survey revealed that one-third of the female obstetricians polled indicated they would choose elective Cesarean birth, given the choice.  Why?  To protect their pelvic floor, says Dr. Magnus Murphy Pelvic Health & Childbirth.

Yes this sucks, but there’s good news!
OK, so let’s face it, some of the things that can happen to moms in childbirth aren’t pretty.  At least now, there’s some help out there, so we don’t have to suffer in silence like the generations of moms before us.  Moms now have access to information so they can be aware of the risks from childbirth and learn how to get help.  The more informed you are, the less freaked out you’ll be if injuries do arise, and you’ll be better prepared for your next pregnancy and delivery.

I should’ve had a Cesarean!
Ah, if life was that easy!  Although there are some doctors who have suggested that Cesarean deliveries may protect the pelvic floor from injury, Cesarean deliveries still come with their own set of risks and complications.  If you do your research, you’ll find that whether by vaginal delivery or Cesarean, there’s no risk-free way to have a baby!