My ONE Bit of Advice to Pregnant People
As someone who works exclusively with pregnant and postpartum people, I know there is a BOATLOAD of unsolicited advice from everyone and their mother during this time period. BUT if I could tell you only one thing when you’re pregnant, it would be to see a pelvic floor therapist.
YES, even if you’re pain-free, feel wonderful, and have no complaints.
Especially yes if you have any back or pelvic pain, leak urine or gas, are constipated, feel heaviness in your vagina, or have pain with sex.
Why?
Imagine you were planning to run a marathon in a few months. Could be your 1st, could be your 7th.. regardless of your experience with running, it’s a new course, you’re in different shape than you’ve been in before, and it’s a different climate than you’ve run in before. Birth is your marathon. Even if you’ve done it before- every one is different.
Your body goes through incredible changes- inside and out- to make room for your growing baby. Why not learn about those changes, stay ahead of any pain or discomfort, and build a stronger body to support those changes?
Your core and pelvic floor sustain increased stretching and pressure throughout pregnancy - and then they experience trauma with birth. (Pelvic floor muscles stretch with a vaginal birth, and 7 layers of your abdomen are cut through or moved around and stitched back up in a cesarean birth).
If you are planning to have a vaginal birth, the strength and length and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles can make ALL the difference. Tight, tense pelvic floor muscles make it hard for baby to pass through the pelvis. We can teach you how to strengthen, lengthen and coordinate those muscles- so they can support you throughout pregnancy and then RELAX when it’s time to let baby through.
If you’re planning a cesarean birth (or if you end up medically needing a cesarean birth), we can teach you how to prepare your core and pelvic floor for the surgery, and the best ways to recover quickly afterwards.
We can teach you which positions open the pelvis in different stages of labor, help you practice & breathe through those movements so that they feel familiar and comfortable when the time comes. AND we can teach you different breathing techniques for the pushing stage to protect your pelvic floor and accelerate the process.
We discuss postpartum healing, the importance of rest, a gradual return to physical activity, and help you get on track to return to whatever activities make you happy!
So even if you have no concerns about your pelvic floor throughout pregnancy, think of pelvic floor therapy as an investment in your birth experience and a jumpstart on the postpartum healing process.
And especially if you’re having terrible pain and other symptoms common with pregnancy, we can help you. If your provider tells you, “it will resolve after baby comes” or “there’s nothing you can do about it now” we’re here to tell you that your symptoms CAN alleviate sooner. You’re worth it. And your wellness is worth investing in.
Written by: Dr. Courtney Trocinski