Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but it can also come with a host of physical changes and challenges. Good news is that pelvic floor physical therapists are here to help you navigate these changes with greater comfort! Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in treating the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic area, offering invaluable support throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Here’s how they can help:
1. Prepare the Body for the Changes of Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body undergoes a tremendous amount of change. The pelvic floor, which supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel, is under extra strain as the baby grows. Pelvic floor therapists work with pregnant women to:
- Assess pelvic floor function: Therapists evaluate how well the pelvic floor muscles are functioning, determining if they are tight, weak, or are struggling with coordination.
- Provide tailored exercises: Exercises are recommended to ensure that the pelvic floor muscles are strong enough to support the growing uterus and prevent common issues like incontinence and pain, while also staying mobile for labor.
2. Manage Common Pregnancy Symptoms
Pelvic floor therapists help address some of the most common discomforts during pregnancy, such as:
- Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine when sneezing, laughing, or lifting is a common issue in pregnancy due to added pressure on the bladder. Pelvic floor exercises can help manage or prevent this.
- Pelvic girdle pain: As the pelvis prepares for childbirth, ligaments loosen from a hormone called relaxin being released, leading to pain and instability. Therapists use gentle manual techniques, stretching, and specific exercises to alleviate discomfort and keep it away for the duration of pregnancy.
- Lower back pain: The shifting weight and postural changes during pregnancy often result in back pain.
Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture to reduce discomfort ven as the body continuously changes.
3. Teach Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Learning how to properly engage and relax the pelvic floor is crucial during the late phases of pregnancy and labor. Pelvic floor therapists:
- Guide proper breathing techniques: Breathwork helps manage pain during labor and promotes relaxation. Therapists teach diaphragmatic breathing, which helps the pelvic floor relax.It is also a great tool to use postpartum.
- Teach perineal massage: This technique helps stretch the tissues of the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) to reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth.
4. Labor Preparation
Pelvic floor physical therapy is beneficial for preparing the body for labor. Therapists focus on:
- Optimizing pelvic alignment: Proper pelvic alignment can make labor easier and more efficient. Pelvic floor therapists use gentle adjustments and exercises to improve the position of the pelvis.
- Pelvic floor relaxation: Labor requires a relaxed pelvic floor for a smoother delivery. Therapists teach techniques to release tension and prepare the body for the birthing process.
5. Postpartum Recovery
The benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy don’t end with childbirth! After delivery, many women
experience pelvic floor issues, such as:
Pelvic organ prolapse: This occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or bowel) descend due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or poor pressure management. Therapy can help strengthen these muscles and support recovery to reduce symptoms of heaviness or a “falling out” feeling.
Postpartum incontinence: Therapists work on strengthening exercises to help regain control and function after childbirth.
Healing from a C-section or perineal tearing: Therapy promotes healing, reduces scar tissue, and restores muscle function after a surgical delivery or tearing during vaginal birth. Therapists can make differences immediately after birth but also years into postpartum.
Conclusion
Pregnancy brings a wide range of physical changes, but pelvic floor physical therapists offer essential support that can make this transformative time smoother and more comfortable! From managing common discomforts to preparing the body for labor and aiding in postpartum recovery, pelvic floor therapy is a valuable resource for pregnant women looking to optimize their health and well-being! Come visit us
Reborn Pelvic Health and Wellness for all things pregnancy and postpartum related!