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Protecting Your Pelvic Floor

How Much Do You Know About This Part of Your Anatomy?

By Jacqueline Rupp

If you haven't taken extensive anatomy courses or read some of the current obstetrical research, you might be scratching your head wondering, "What exactly is my pelvic floor, and why do I need to protect it?" But as you'll learn, pelvic floor health plays a key role in your overall well-being.

Take our pelvic floor quiz to find out if you know the best ways to protect yourself. You might be surprised by what you'll learn when you check your answers at the bottom of the quiz!

1. The pelvic floor is:

a. An injury that occurs when you fall on your bottom.
b. Numerous layers of muscle and tissue that stretch from your pubic bone to your spine.
c. A term used to describe a serious abdominal pain.

2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (or PFD) is:

a. A variety of problems including urine leakage, sexual dissatisfaction and inner-organ sagging, resulting from weakened or damaged pelvic muscles.
b. A disease that makes women infertile.
c. A sexually transmitted disease.

3. Many women experience a mild form of PFD while they are:

a. Adolescents.
b. Pregnant.
c. Sleeping.
d. All of the above.

4. It is normal to have minor incontinence in the first few months after giving birth.

True or False?

5. Which of the following is most likely to cause damage to the pelvic floor?

a. Episiotomy.
b. A vacuum-assisted delivery.
c. A vaginal delivery in the "lying on back" position or while using stirrups.
d. All of the above.

6. By having a C-section, a woman can save herself from urinary incontinence later in life.

True or False?

7. Why does having an epidural increase the likelihood of pelvic floor damage?

a. Because you will need a continuous fetal heart monitor.
b. Because there is greater risk of needing an assisted delivery.
c. Because you will probably have to give birth lying on your back.
d. All of the above.

Want to see more?

• Birth Positions: How the Right Position Can Prevent an Episiotomy
• Powerful Pushing: New Method Promises Safer, More Efficient Delivery
• Pregnancy Nutrition From A to Z: A Comprehensive List of Nutrition Issues for Moms-to-be
• The Grand Tour: A Quick Trip Through the Labor and Delivery Room
• Pelvic Power: The Benefits of Kegel Exercises for Pregnancy and the Rest of Your Life
• Talk about it!