Are you expecting a bundle of joy? Congratulations! Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with joy and anticipation and it can also bring a range of physical challenges, especially when it comes to the pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is not just for rehabilitating from injuries; it can also be highly beneficial during pregnancy. Pelvic floor physical therapists can help improve your pelvic floor function, prevent or alleviate common issues like pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and even prepare your body for labor and delivery.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in maintaining bladder and bowel control, supporting the uterus, and stabilizing the pelvis. During pregnancy, these muscles undergo significant changes and may become weakened or stretched, leading to various symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapists use a variety techniques including exercises, stretches, and manual therapies, all targeted at improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles.

Understanding the pelvic floor muscles

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that stretch like a hammock from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining continence, supporting the weight of the growing baby, and facilitating a smooth delivery.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect how the pelvic floor muscles function. Additionally, the increased pressure on the pelvic floor from the growing uterus can further strain these muscles. This can lead to issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain.

Importance of pelvic floor health during pregnancy

Maintaining optimal pelvic floor health during pregnancy is essential for both the mother and the developing baby. Strong and healthy pelvic floor muscles can help prevent or alleviate common pregnancy-related issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. In addition, being able to connect with the pelvic floor muscles in pregnancy can improve the outcomes and increase ease of delivery.

Common pregnancy-related pelvic floor issues

Because of the changes and pressure added to the pelvic floor that accompanies pregnancy, pelvic floor concerns such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence/leakage, and pelvic organ prolapse are common.

Benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers numerous benefits for expectant mothers. By working with a women’s pelvic health physical therapist, you can:

1. Improve pelvic floor function: Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you improve the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles. Through targeted exercises and techniques, you can improve the strength and function of the core and pelvic floor muscles and prevent issues such as urinary incontinence/leakage.

2. Alleviate pelvic pain: Pregnancy-related pelvic pain can be debilitating and affect your daily life. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help reduce pain and discomfort by addressing the underlying causes of your pain including muscle and joint stiffness. Through targeted exercises and stretches, your pelvic floor therapist will help alleviate tension in the pelvic floor muscles.

3. Prepare for labor and delivery: The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in labor and delivery. During a vaginal birth, these muscles have to significantly relax. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you prepare your body for childbirth by teaching you relaxation techniques, proper breathing, and positions that can facilitate an easier and smoother delivery.

Shouldn’t I wait to have the baby to go to pelvic floor physical therapy?

No! There are so many benefits to coming in to pelvic floor therapy prior to delivering your baby. If you are symptomatic, we can address your current symptoms and concerns. Research shows that if you struggle with incontinence (leakage) and/or back pain during pregnancy, it likely won’t go away postpartum. Addressing your concerns before your baby comes into the world is the best thing you can do to set yourself up for success postpartum. In addition, birth/labor prep physical therapy sessions, while you are pregnant, can help teach you how to connect with your pelvic floor and set you up for a smoother delivery.

Preparing for pelvic floor physical therapy sessions

Before starting pelvic floor physical therapy, it's essential to find a qualified and experienced pelvic health physical therapist who specializes in prenatal care. They will assess your specific needs and symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your concerns.

During your first session, the therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a discussion of your medical history, a physical examination, and an assessment of your pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic health physical therapy during pregnancy can improve pelvic floor function, alleviate pelvic pain, enhance bladder and bowel control, and prepare your body for labor and delivery. With the right guidance and support, you can enjoy a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy journey. Looking for guidance through your pregnancy journey? Call us today!