They said giving birth is hard, and I did not believe them until I experienced it myself. I was happy when I knew that I was pregnant, and my excitement never left me while my womb keeps on getting huge. I have also read many things about pregnancy, and I became aware of the complications I could get before or after giving birth. But at the back of my mind, I know that I could survive it because I could get postnatal care in Singapore.
After months of waiting, I finally gave birth. However, I noticed that I had a problem with my bowel movement. I spend so much time in the bathroom, which did not happen before I gave birth. I ignored it at first until I experienced issues with my peeing. I went to a clinic near us, and that is when I found out that I have constipation and urinary incontinence because of the divarication of recti or recti muscles.
After how many months, I have finally recovered. So, let me share my story on how I survived having the divarication of recti.
SEARCHED ABOUT DIVARICATION OF RECTI
When the doctor told me that I have the divarication of recti, I was nervous because I do not know what that is. And even if the doctor explained it to me, I searched for it to learn more. I knew that it was usual during the pregnancy, but it could still occur after giving birth, and it happened to me. I thought all I could have would be a post partum belly, but I was wrong.
Because of the divarication of recti, I experienced two of its risks and complications – urinary incontinence and constipation. I know that constipation happens even if you did not give birth. But it was my first time learning about urinary incontinence.
I learned that urinary incontinence in Singapore has two types – persistent and temporary. And based on what the doctor said, my case was under persistent urinary incontinence. Aside from childbirth, it could also be because of menopausal hormonal changes, enlarged prostate, or pregnancy. Ever since I knew what it was, I told myself that I would take care of myself more.
RECTI MUSCLES CAUSES
Another thing that I learned about the divarication of recti is about its causes. I knew that it could be because of pregnancy or childbirth. However, it could be because of age, multiple childbirths, or having a large baby. When I was reading about it, I knew that it could be because of my age. I was already 36 years old when I gave birth to my child. It is when I realised that I need to have postnatal care.
THE TREATMENTS THAT I DID
When I decided to have postnatal care because of the complications I experienced, my doctor told me that she would do a High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy on me or HIFEM technology. She explained to me, and I agreed about her decision. After my treatment, she also told me that I could do exercises at home to ensure that I will heal. She recommended many workouts to help remove my post partum belly, so I did them weeks after my therapy.
EXERCISES I DID AT HOME
I chose to do the exercises that were easy for me. When I searched some of them, I thought they were all the same because of the pictures. However, you will know their differences once you do them. Some of the exercises I did for my postnatal care are pelvic brace, transverse abdominal muscle, and closing the gap.
The pelvic brace helped my deep core muscles. I was shocked that it was easy to do. All I did was lay on my back, bend my knees, and did pelvic floor muscle contraction.
The transverse abdominal muscle exercise targeted my internal corset. While closing the gap or neuromuscular education slowly closed the gap in my abdomen. Out of all the workouts, neuromuscular education was the easiest to do. To do it, I used a towel and squeezed it around my waist.
MY CONDITION NOW
Months after my treatment and exercises, I noticed that my post partum belly was gone, and I also had my posture back. My constipation and urinary incontinence did not go back. I was able to take care of my baby because I felt okay after it.
Despite all that, I still visit my doctor for postnatal care because they said that new mothers could experience postpartum depression. I do not want it to happen, so if I could prevent it, I would. The doctor helped me a lot, especially my baby. After everything I have experienced, I think one child is enough for me, knowing that my age could affect my childbirth.
If you are looking for postnatal care in Singapore, visit Orchard Clinic’s website. You will see all the offers and services they have for women.
