Postnatal Care

It’s no secret that your body changes after pregnancy and childbirth. After all, you did the hard work of making room for baby, labored and delivered your precious little one. That can take a toll on your body, especially your pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles that are between the tailbone and pubic bone. These muscles act as a “hammock” and support the bowel, bladder, uterus and vagina. When those muscles become weak (or stretched from pregnancy and childbirth), you can experience a wide range of conditions. And, those conditions can cause embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms.

The Emory Healthcare Pelvic Health After Pregnancy Clinic sees birthing parents up to one year after delivery to diagnose and treat pregnancy and delivery-related, pelvic-floor disorders. The clinic is staffed by experienced and understanding physicians who’ve completed three years of additional education and training to become board certified in pelvic-floor medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Many birthing parents experience changes to the pelvic floor after childbirth. It’s important to keep in mind your symptoms are completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.

At the Pelvic Health After Pregnancy Clinic, we want you to feel your best so you can enjoy bonding with and caring for your little one. We’ve helped parents, just like you, manage and treat their pelvic-health issues, including:

From the moment you call to schedule your appointment, you’ll be warmly welcomed. We take referrals from physicians or can make direct appointments with you. During your first appointment, you’ll meet with one of our fellowship-trained physicians. They’ll get to know your medical and family history and what symptoms you’re experiencing. This conversation takes place in a safe, no-judgment and confidential environment.

Based on that initial conversation, your doctor will recommend a few non-invasive screenings and tests to get a clearer picture of your pelvic health. That may include:

• Biomechanical tests for various functions and anatomy of pelvic floor
• Cystoscopy to check for abnormalities in the bladder or urethra
• Detailed physical exam, including a pelvic exam
• Pelvic-floor measurements
• Ultrasound (transvaginal or endoanal) to capture images of the pelvic-floor organs
• Urodynamics test to assess bladder function

When it comes to pelvic health after pregnancy, one size doesn’t fit all. Birthing parents can experience many different conditions and even different symptoms with similar conditions. Your doctor will discuss treatment options and share evidence-based recommendations on the best plan for you, which may include:

If you’ve given birth in the past year and are experiencing any pelvic-floor symptoms—even mild ones—call our clinic and schedule an appointment. We’re here to share our experience and insight and help give you the confidence and comfort to live your life. Call 404-778-3401 or request an appointment online to get started.