Hi there, mom-to-be! Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a few challenges along the way. One tool that can be a game-changer for your prenatal experience? Pelvic floor physical therapy. Let’s talk about how pelvic floor PT can support you during pregnancy and set the stage for a smoother postpartum recovery.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

First things first, let’s talk about your pelvic floor. It’s a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that form a sling at the bottom of your pelvis, supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy, your pelvic floor undergoes significant changes due to hormonal shifts, increased weight, and the demands of childbirth.

How Pelvic Floor PT Helps During Pregnancy

Prevention and Management of Pelvic Pain: Many pregnant women experience pelvic pain, which can range from mild discomfort to more severe issues like pelvic girdle/low back pain or pubic symphysis dysfunction. Pelvic floor PT can teach you exercises, stretches, and techniques to alleviate pain and improve pelvic stability.

Bladder and Bowel Control: As your baby grows, you may experience bladder leakage or increased urgency. Pelvic floor exercises and strategies taught in PT can strengthen (and in some cases, relax and stretch) your pelvic floor muscles, enhancing bladder and bowel control.

Preparation for Labor and Delivery: Pelvic floor PT can teach you techniques like intentional movements during labor to help engage baby through the pelvis and birth canal, perineal massage, relaxation, and breathing exercises. It can also help you understand how to engage your pelvic floor muscles effectively during pushing.

Optimizing Postpartum Recovery: By working on your pelvic floor health during pregnancy, you set the stage for a smoother postpartum recovery. Strong and flexible pelvic floor muscles can aid in healing after childbirth and reduce the risk of issues like pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence.

When Should I Start PT?

We encourage women who are pregnant to start as soon as their second trimester. Giving birth is a big event (think full marathon) so the earlier you prepare, the more confident and empowered you will feel going into it!

What to Expect in Pelvic Floor PT

If you’re considering pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy, here’s what you can expect:

• Assessment: Your PT will assess your pelvic floor function, including strength, flexibility, and coordination.

• Education: You’ll learn about pelvic anatomy, proper body mechanics, and strategies for pelvic floor health during pregnancy.

• Exercises: Your PT will guide you through specific exercises and techniques tailored to your needs and stage of pregnancy.

• Support: Pelvic floor PT is a collaborative process, and your PT will provide support, guidance, and encouragement throughout your sessions.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a valuable but yet underused resource for pregnant women (We get a lot of mamas who tell us “I wish I knew about coming to PT sooner!”) Whether you’re seeking relief from pelvic pain, aiming to improve bladder control, preparing for childbirth and beyond, or just want to make sure things don’t go wrong in the your prenatal care plan—it’s a step toward a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and postpartum experience. Cheers to a happy, healthy journey to motherhood!