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60 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k j a n u a r y/ fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 1 ages, her risk for pelvic injury increases significantly due to longer labor and less effective contractions. She is also more likely to suffer severe trauma to the sphincter and a greater chance of the baby getting stuck in the pelvis due to age-related loss of elasticity of muscles and ligaments. University of Michigan urogynecologist John DeLancey and Dietz, working separately, found that certain women are much more likely than others to experience a levator-ani tear and in about 15 percent of vaginal births, the levator-ani is torn off the bone. The prevalence of this type of severe injury increases for mothers who need to push for 2½ hours or more, or who have certain body types. However, those who suffer the greatest risk are women who deliver with the medical assistance of forceps. 14 It Takes 30 Seconds Few doctors have the training to detect injuries like these and, after six months, the injury usually becomes impossible to detect. As a result, a majority of women who experience such injuries during childbirth discover them only years later when they suffer from incontinence or prolapse. Generally, at the six-week postpartum checkup, the gynecologist is looking to make sure the uterus is returning to its normal size and any tears to the perineum are healing well and free of infection; anything outside of that, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, is not considered a priority unless the new mother brings up concerns. Unfortunately, many times patients are told that symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders are normal after childbirth, leaving women to quietly struggle with these issues on their own. And yet, "It takes less than 30 seconds for a physician to evaluate muscle tissue and pelvic injuries during the internal exam," says Stephanie Prendergast, a physical therapist and founder of the Los Angeles-based Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center. 15 Terms Defined Abdominal Support Girdles These devices help support the weight of the baby, relieving pressure on the pregnant woman's pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for supporting the uterus. They can also assist in the stabilization of the mother's sacroiliac joint. Mayan Abdominal Massage Developed by Rosita Arvigo, DN, this technique helps restore the new mother's body to its natural balance by correcting the position of organs that have shifted and opening up restrictions, including chi energy. Pelvic Floor Fascial Massage A specialized fascial massage technique, administered by highly trained practitioners, meant to help restore the muscles of the pelvis, reduce trigger-point pain, and bring balance to the pelvic bowl. Postpartum Massage Specialized bodywork techniques that rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and help her to bond with and care for her infant.