3 Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Before, During and After Pregnancy
We all know that pregnancy and being a new parent to a little one is an incredibly special time in your life.
But it can also be terrifying to have all these different changes happen to you and your body.
Most expecting moms are prepared for the weight gain that comes with carrying a baby, but they’re quite surprised to see other physical changes like changes in their skin, more body hair, and stretch marks.
They also might be unfortunately surprised with new aches in their body, sore muscles, changes in how their belly looks, urinary leakage, and pain during intercourse.
Along with physical changes come emotional changes.
Being an expecting mom opens a portal to you having a hundred thoughts per minute about your baby, how your labour is going to go, and what to do when you’re finally a new mom.
There are many things that expecting and new moms worry about.
However, a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can help ease your fears, anxiety, and discomfort.
A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist is a trained professional in alleviating pregnancy-related pain, coaching you through an easier labour, getting rid of uncomfortable symptoms, and making you your best self for your new baby.
Let a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist take the worry off your shoulders so that you can spend this time focusing on this wonderful journey of becoming a new mom!
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Do?
Simply put, a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist is a physiotherapist that provides care for your pelvic health issues.
They’re healthcare professionals who are specialized in assessing and treating the pelvic floor to help with things like pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, sexual dysfunction, low back pain, and lots more.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists also trained to help guide you through your pregnancy by reducing your discomfort and helping you prepare for the birth of your baby.
They can also help fix postpartum symptoms and conditions related to your pelvic floor such as a weak or overly stretched pelvic floor, pelvic pain, and an increased belly size.
All in all, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists can help you at ANY stage in your prenatal or postnatal journey!
3 Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist BEFORE Pregnancy
1. To become your healthiest self
Preparing to be a new mom is a challenging task. Being YOUR healthiest self is the best thing you can do to prepare for your new baby. Exercise is safe and highly encouraged for healthy pregnant individuals, and has many benefits like helping you sleep better, preventing you from gaining excess weight, and improving your mood and energy level. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can create a safe exercise program so your body can be its healthiest self to start this new journey!
2. To prepare your pelvic floor muscles
pelvic floor to help prepare it for a new load on your body. They’ll guide you through Kegel exercises with proper form so that you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These pelvic floor muscles are important to keep strong because they help support your uterus, bladder, and bowels, and play a key role in supporting a baby during pregnancy.
3. To improve your sexual function
Your pelvic floor muscles are involved in sexual function. If your pelvic floor muscles are too tight, can’t stretch enough, or if you have anxiety associated with sexual function, a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can help. They’ll figure out the root cause to your pain during sexual activities and help you on the path to pain-free intercourse.
3 Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist DURING Pregnancy
1. To improve your posture and get rid of pain
Pregnancy results to changes in your body and posture. A baby bump results in extra weight in the front of your body. As a result, you might notice some increased pressure and pain in your back as your body has to work overtime to maintain proper alignment. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can assess your posture and teach you healthy posture to reduce stress on your muscles and joints throughout your entire pregnancy.
2. To solve urinary and bowel incontinence
Unfortunately, bladder and bowel incontinence is a common symptom during or after pregnancy. These organs around your pelvic floor can be placed under excess pressure as the weight of your baby pushes on these structures. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can help retrain your bladder and bowels, so that you can regain function of these organs and stop your incontinence. Remember that urinary and bowel incontinence is common but NOT normal and CAN be fixed!
3. To help prepare you for delivery and pushing the baby out
Labour is a very physically demanding task that can stretch your pelvic floor and even tear it in some cases. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can coach you through everything you need to do and know in order to optimize your labour. They can educate you on the most comfortable birthing position for you, stretch and loosen your pelvic floor muscles to reduce the changes of tearing, and instruct you on how to effectively push during labour.
3 Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist AFTER Pregnancy
1. To help restore your belly
Your body INCLUDING your pelvic floor goes through many changes after the process of giving birth. You might notice a new bulge in your belly which is known as diastasis recti which happens when your stomach muscles are stretched during pregnancy and don’t bounce back after you’ve given birth. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist will work with you and other team members like a certified pilates instructor to create a program that’ll help restore your core and make you feel confident again!
2. To resolve pelvic pain
An issue that some people struggle with postpartum is pain or pressure in their pelvic region. This is not a normal feeling, especially if you’ve been struggling with it for a long time after giving birth. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can identify the source to your pelvic pain and effectively TREAT YOUR PAIN so that you can focus on yourself and your new baby.
3. To get you back to doing your normal activities
Get active and do the things you want to do again with the help of a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist will work together with you to establish goals and create a plan that outlines exactly how to get there. They’ll guide you through a treatment program that helps gradually return you to the activity level that you want to be!
How Do I Get Started with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
If you’re ready to set yourself up for a successful pregnancy, delivery, and recovery, then book your first appointment now!
Be one of the 20,000+ people who’ve found success with one of Toronto’s leading health clinics since 2001.
Our team of expert Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Doctors, and Pilates and Yoga Instructors are excited to meet you and help guide you to your healthiest self!
Seek the help of a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist today so that you can be supported along every step of the way in your pregnancy and postpartum journey!
View this post on Instagram
This blog was written by Anna Zheng, a Physiotherapy student at the University of Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start seeing a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist after I’ve given birth?
Typically, it takes about six weeks for your body to be ready for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy after you’ve given birth. Each person is different, so make sure you check with your doctor to know when you’re ready to get started with your recovery.
Is an internal exam required for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
No, an internal exam is NOT required for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist will be trained in other external techniques to effectively assess and treat your pelvic floor.
Should I exercise during pregnancy?
Movement is a typically a good idea to keep you healthy and strong while you prepare for a new baby. Sometimes, you need to modify the way you exercise to make sure it’s safe for you and the baby. Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist will work closely with your doctor to create a safe exercise program that’ll improve your overall health and wellness.