Should I see a pelvic floor physiotherapist during pregnancy?
The short answer... absolutely!
As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I am so glad that pelvic floor physio and rehab is become more and more popular, with a great number of people having the understanding that they have a pelvic floor and how it can contribute to different issues. Knowing that pelvic floor physiotherapy can be helpful to recovery after birth is also becoming more mainstream, which is fantastic!
However, I will often get questions about whether or not it would be worth it to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist during pregnancy. Absolutely – a resounding yes!! Whether you are experiencing discomfort, other pelvic symptoms, or having a fantastic journey through pregnancy, it can be SO beneficial to check in before giving birth.
Here is a list of reasons why you should see a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy:
#1: Learn about and build awareness of your pelvic floor and core
Get specialized pelvic floor muscle training and guidance in order to know how and what types of things you should be doing. Not everyone needs to do kegels throughout pregnancy! In fact, it is so important to learn how to relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help make labour and delivery as smooth as possible. Learning about how to properly engage your pelvic floor muscles in coordination with the rest of your body can also help with postpartum healing and recovery/rehab as well!
#2: We can assess and treat any symptoms or discomfort you may be experiencing
Pelvic girdle pain
Bladder leakage
Painful intercourse
Low back or hip pain
Mid-back or rib pain
Symptoms like these above, along with many others, should not be something you just have to put up with because you are pregnant and they “come with the territory”. There are many techniques, including manual therapy, soft tissue release, mobilizations and stretches, and taping that can be a game changer in managing your aches and pains throughout pregnancy. I also always make sure to provide clients with take-home strategies (whether that be exercises, stretches, breathing techniques, or otherwise depending on your needs) to continue managing these symptoms outside of our sessions as well.
Working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist can also help prevent these symptoms before they begin and help you adapt any exercises you are already doing to keep you active and feeling good throughout pregnancy!
#3: Birth prep & ways to minimize the risk of tearing during birth
Learn about the different stages of labour and how you can modify your environment and mind and body to help you through each of those stages. Empowering you with the knowledge to advocate for yourself and your needs will be front and centre throughout our session(s).
We’ll teach you strategies about how to push effectively, breathing techniques to use, and options for positions to push in. Preferences for an unmedicated or medicated birth? There are strategies to use for either scenario that we ensure we provide you with so you have the confidence and knowledge to use, empowering your birthing experience!
Along with learning how and which positions to push in, we will also use techniques to help minimize your risk of tearing with vaginal birth. Teaching you how to use perineal massage to prep the tissues for delivery has been shown to reduce the risk and severity of perineal tears.
#4: Learn how to manage pain throughout labour and delivery
Whether your preference is to have a medicated or unmedicated birth, we make sure to go over numerous ways to help get you through contractions. We also have techniques that we teach to help keep labour progressing to make the easiest pathway for baby’s exit. Making sure that we go over ways that your partner and/or support person can participate in helping you through contractions is key too! We always encourage and love when partners are able to join a session(s) to get hands on practice with these strategies, and have any questions they may have answered as well! Working as a team and having that support can make a world of difference in your birthing experience.
#5: We’ll provide you with education for early postpartum care and rehab
You’ve finished the marathon of childbirth and get thrust in to the newborn phase – for both your baby, and you! We will make sure you are set with strategies and gentle exercise that you may be able to begin within the first weeks postpartum. Gradually and purposefully allowing you to reconnect with your body, core, and pelvic floor to make your postpartum recovery as smooth as possible. As well as going over ways to help manage any discomfort you may experience postpartum whether you’ve had a vaginal or cesarean birth.
A special note – all 5 of these reasons above are applicable to whether you have a vaginal OR cesarean birth! Going in for a planned cesarean? We’ll make sure we prep you for what to expect, and postpartum care and recovery tips! End up having an unplanned cesarean? We’ve got you covered there, too! We always make sure to provide education about all of the possible birth methods during our sessions. I’m happy to provide additional resources early postpartum before we check in again after you get medically cleared!
You deserve to be educated, supported, and empowered to have a positive experience in pregnancy and birth.
Let’s work together to do exactly that! I can’t wait to be a part of your journey.
Reach out with any questions or to get booked in when you are ready.