Why We Recommend Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy
If you were anticipating a major change to your body - like a joint replacement or reconstructive surgery, most doctors would recommend that you spend some time on “pre-hab” so that your surgery is as effective as possible. While a typical pregnancy does not include surgical intervention, the changes to your physical body are even more significant, and this analogy conveys the weight of those changes.
As your body grows and changes to accommodate your growing baby, placenta and uterus, so do the demands placed on your muscles, joints, and especially your pelvic floor. One way to ensure a smoother pregnancy and recovery is through proactive and preventative pelvic floor therapy. While many people think of pelvic floor therapy as something for postpartum recovery, or only if bothersome symptoms occur during pregnancy, it’s actually incredibly beneficial as a preventative therapy too.
Why is Pelvic Health Important In Pregnancy?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, rectum, and uterus. During pregnancy, these muscles endure extra strain due to the weight of the growing baby, the pressure on the pelvic organs, and hormonal changes that can affect tissue elasticity and strength. As a result, most pregnant people experience some type of back/hip/pelvic discomfort, decreased core strength, urinary frequency or incontinence, discomfort or pain with sexual intimacy, constipation, or heaviness/pressure in the pelvic region.
Pelvic floor therapy is key to helping prevent or alleviate these issues. By working with a pelvic floor therapist, you can strengthen and balance these muscles, allowing for better support of your organs and reducing the chances of discomfort or injury during labor. Additionally, pelvic floor therapy helps with posture and overall body balancing, both of which are crucial as your body undergoes physical changes.
When to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy
One of the most common questions we hear is, "When should I start pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy?" While it’s never too early to prioritize pelvic health, we recommend starting pelvic floor therapy during the second trimester. This is the ideal time because your body is still adapting to pregnancy, and pelvic floor therapy can help you address any issues before they become more pronounced. However, it’s never too late, and starting in the third trimester can still provide immense benefits. If nothing else, we highly recommend at least two “birth prep” sessions in your third trimester to discuss and practice methods to prevent birth injury as well as to set you up for the best chance at a smooth healing process early postpartum.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort in your pelvic area, urinary incontinence, or lower back pain early in your pregnancy, seeking pelvic floor therapy sooner can also help manage and relieve these symptoms.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Prepares You for Childbirth
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy isn’t just about addressing current issues—it’s also about preparing your body for birth - vaginal or cesarean! Your pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role during vaginal labor and birth and your pelvic floor therapist can teach you how to relax and release these muscles during labor, which can contribute to a smoother and more efficient birth experience.
A pelvic floor therapist can teach you exercises to help with perineal stretching, reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth, and improve your control of pelvic floor muscles to improve your postpartum healing timeline. You’ll also learn techniques for breathing and relaxation, which are important during labor and delivery.
As for cesarean birth- this major abdominal surgery significantly impacts abdominal muscle control, and pelvic floor therapy can help you “pre-hab” a planned surgery.
Everything we do during pregnancy is also directly related to helping your body in the recovery phase after birth. We provide the tools and exercises to begin getting in touch with your core and pelvic floor again after labor, ensuring that your body returns to optimal health as quickly and effectively as possible.
Common Myths About Pelvic Floor Therapy Debunked
There are several misconceptions about pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy that we’d like to clear up:
Myth: Pelvic floor therapy is only for postpartum women.
While pelvic floor therapy is widely known for its postpartum benefits, it’s also incredibly helpful during pregnancy to prevent complications and improve labor outcomes.
Myth: It’s uncomfortable or painful.
Pelvic floor therapy is not painful. In fact, it is designed to help ease discomfort, whether that’s from pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or other pregnancy-related issues. If your experience has been painful, we highly recommend chatting with your therapist or switching therapists.
Myth: Pelvic floor therapy is unnecessary if there are no symptoms.
Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, pelvic floor therapy can still be beneficial in preparing your body for childbirth and ensuring a smoother recovery. It’s a proactive approach to pelvic health.
Myth: You only need pelvic floor therapy after a vaginal birth.
No matter how you deliver, whether by vaginal birth or c-section, pelvic floor therapy can help with recovery. A cesarean birth is a major abdominal surgery and has the potential to significantly impact bladder, bowel and sexual function. Additionally, scar tissue never stops forming, and a c-section likely requires even more lifelong attention and care.
Finding the Right Pelvic Floor Therapist for You
Choosing the right pelvic floor therapist is essential to your experience. Not all therapists are created equal. Pelvic health physical and occupational therapists can specialize in a variety of symptoms and concerns. If you're wondering how to find a pelvic floor PT, search for a therapist who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum care, as they will be best equipped to address your unique needs.
If you’re unsure where to start, the following guides can help you find someone near you:
The Importance of Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy and Beyond
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy is about more than just immediate relief—it’s about long-term health. Strengthening and maintaining pelvic health during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of future issues, such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual health problems. Plus, pelvic floor therapy can set you up for a smoother labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Investing in pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy not only improves your quality of life now, but it also supports your body’s ability to handle the challenges of childbirth and recovery, ensuring that you are set up for long-term pelvic health.
By prioritizing pelvic floor therapy, you are taking a proactive step towards ensuring a healthy and confident pregnancy, birth, and recovery. Whether you’re looking for relief from current discomfort or preparing for the birth of your child, pelvic floor therapy is an essential part of a well-rounded care plan.