Key Takeaways:
- Pelvic floor muscles matter most – They support your bladder and organs, and pregnancy weakens them. Strengthening them helps prevent leaks and pain.
- Kegels aren’t the only fix – A pelvic floor therapist can teach better exercises than just squeezing. Some use electrical stimulation for faster results.
- Start simple at home – Try easy moves like Kegel exercises and bridge lifts. Do them a few times per day to see improvement.
- Don’t ignore warning signs – If you leak urine, feel pelvic pressure, or have pain, see a healthcare professional. It could mean pelvic organ prolapse.
- Surrogates need extra care – Your body works hard for others. Pelvic floor therapy helps you recover fully and stay strong for future pregnancies or daily life.
Being a surrogate is an amazing journey, but let’s be honest—pregnancy and birth take a toll on your body. One of the biggest areas that needs attention after delivery is your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support your bladder, uterus, and bowels, and they can get pretty weak after carrying a baby. That’s where pelvic floor therapy comes in.
If you’re working with surrogacy agencies in Los Angeles, like Southern California Surrogacy, you’ve probably heard about the importance of postpartum physical therapy. But what exactly does it do, and why should surrogates care? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What’s the Big Deal About Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Your pelvic floor is like a hammock of muscles at the base of your pelvis. It holds everything in place—your bladder, uterus, and even your intestines. During pregnancy, these muscles stretch and weaken, especially if you had a vaginal delivery. That’s why some women (and surrogates) deal with urinary incontinence—leaking a little when they laugh, sneeze, or jump.
For surrogates, this can be extra frustrating because you’re not just recovering for yourself—you’re preparing your body for whatever comes next in life. The good news? Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen those muscles and prevent problems down the road.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Works
You might have heard of Kegel exercises—those squeezes you do to strengthen your pelvic muscles. But pelvic floor therapy goes deeper than that. A trained therapist can teach you how to engage the right muscles (because yes, a lot of us do it wrong!). They might also use techniques like electrical stimulation or biofeedback to help you get stronger faster.
Here’s the thing: pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t just about leaking urine. It can also cause pain, discomfort, or even pelvic organ prolapse (when organs shift out of place). For surrogates, who often go through the surrogacy process more than once, keeping these muscles strong is key to long-term health.
Simple Exercises You Can Start Now
You don’t always need a therapist to begin strengthening your pelvic floor. Here are a few easy moves to try:
- Kegels: Squeeze the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine, hold for 3-5 seconds, then relax. Do this 10 times, a few times per day.
- Deep belly breathing: Lie on your back with your feet flat, breathe deeply, and focus on relaxing your pelvic muscles as you exhale.
- Bridge lifts: Lie on your back, knees bent, and lift your hips while squeezing your glutes and pelvic floor.
If you’re not sure you’re doing it right, a physical exam with a healthcare professional can help. They can check your muscle strength and give you personalized tips.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some surrogates bounce back quickly, but others need extra support. If you’re dealing with:
- Leaking urine (stress urinary incontinence)
- Pain during sex
- A feeling of heaviness in your pelvis (which could mean pelvic organ prolapse)
- Trouble controlling bowel movements (fecal incontinence)
…then it’s time to see a specialist. Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just for right after birth—many women benefit from it months postpartum too.
Why Surrogates Shouldn’t Skip This
As a surrogate, your body is your tool. Whether you’re planning another surrogacy journey or just want to feel like yourself again, taking care of your pelvic floor is a must. Weak muscles can lead to bigger issues later, like chronic pain or more severe incontinence after pregnancy.
The best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Many surrogacy agencies, including ours, connect surrogates with healthcare professionals who specialize in postpartum recovery.
How We Support Our Surrogates
At Southern California Surrogacy, we know how important recovery is. That’s why we guide our surrogates to the best pelvic floor therapists in Los Angeles surrogacy networks. Whether you need exercises, therapy, or just advice on strengthening after birth, we’ve got your back.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate or are in the postpartum period now, don’t ignore your pelvic health. A little effort now can save you from bigger problems later. And remember—you’re not just helping someone else build a family. You’re taking care of yourself, too.
Ready to learn more? Reach out to us. We’re here to make sure your surrogacy experience is as healthy and rewarding as possible.
