Pelvic Floor: What Is It, Symptoms, and Exercises

, pelvic floor muscles are able to stretch to about three times the normal length during vaginal birth, which can result in the weakening of pelvic floor muscles, also known as .

Roughly half of pregnant and postpartum women will suffer from PFD, with research showing that more than 50% of OB/GYNs fail to address symptoms of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction during prenatal care.Pelvic floor issues have been spotlighted recently by , wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who shared that she suffered a fractured back.

In an Instagram story, the mother-of-two cautioned women to “Pelvic floor issues are commonly associated with childbearing,” says Laura Haynes Lima, PT, DPT, a women’s health rehabilitation clinical specialist at . “Pregnancy and childbirth itself can cause injury or trauma to the structures of the pelvic floor, leading to problems related to urinary, bowel, and sexual function.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can also be a result of underlying medical conditions, other orthopedic injuries, lifestyle factors, aging, and genetics.”Ahead everything you need to know about the pelvic floor, including PFD symptoms and how to strengthen your muscles.The pelvic floor strength is important for all bodies. “The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments located within the bowl of the pelvis that serve to support the bladder, bowel, and uterus (in women),” says Lima. “They also play an important role in the maintenance of bowel and bladder control, normal sexual function, and stability of the hips and spine.”There will be signs if you're suffering from pelvic floor issues and dysfunction. “Many symptoms can arise due to issues related to the pelvic floor.