7 Reasons to seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative and challenging time for many women. Seeking out a pelvic floor physical therapist during pregnancy provides numerous benefits that can help women manage the physical changes and discomfort associated with pregnancy. In this article, Susannah Azofeifa, PT, DPT shares seven reasons why seeking out a pelvic floor physical therapist during pregnancy can be beneficial.
1. Continue exercising safely under the guidance of a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist During Pregnancy
A physical therapist can advise you on movements that are safe to continue as well as movements that should be avoided.
Can also discuss appropriate heart rate ranges during pregnancy.
2. To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
A physical therapist can talk to you about exercises and different breathing techniques to improve strength of pelvic floor muscles. This also helps decrease symptoms affective incontinence & urgency.
3. To learn different strategies to relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles
This plays an important role in delivering a baby vaginally
There are many different stretches and breathing techniques that can be taught to help improve pelvic floor range of motion
Pelvic floor lengthening is important in delivering a baby, the muscles need to relax for childbirth to take place!
4. To learn modifications to daily activities that may become painful throughout pregnancy
If low back pain, hip pain, or pelvic pain becomes a problem during pregnancy, a physical therapist can help to modify movements to make them more tolerable.
The physical therapist can analyze an individual’s ability to transfer forces from one side to another, look at range of motion, and functional strength.
5. To learn appropriate breathing techniques
The diaphragm is closely connected to the pelvic floor and plays a very important role in the mobility of the pelvic floor.
It is important to learn appropriate breathing techniques throughout pregnancy to aid in contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor.
Breathing can also be incorporated during labor aid in vaginal delivery.
6. To address any musculoskeletal complaints
Pelvic floor PT addresses issues related to low back, hip, core, and/or pelvic pain.
Pregnancy can often come along with aches and pains throughout the neck, mid back, lower back, hips and pelvis.
A physical therapist can address limitations by assessing posture, functional range of motion, and functional strength – to name a few.
Based on assessment, appropriate interventions will be implemented to address pain.
7. Postural awareness/retraining
During pregnancy, a woman’s center of mass moves with the growth of a child. Physical therapists can help by addressing things such as strength and posture as the center of mass changes.
Summary: Reasons to Seek Out a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist During Pregnancy
Pelvic floor physical therapy can provide many benefits for pregnant women. These benefits include learning safe exercises to continue throughout pregnancy, strengthening and lengthening pelvic floor muscles, modifying daily activities to alleviate pain, learning appropriate breathing techniques, addressing musculoskeletal complaints, and improving postural awareness and retraining. Seeking out a pelvic floor physical therapist during pregnancy can help women prepare for childbirth, manage pain, and improve overall physical function. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program during pregnancy.
If you live in the Augusta area, and want to receive the guidance of a pelvic floor physical therapist during your pregnancy (or following pregnancy), request an appointment with us now!
References
- ACOG. (2015). Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Committee Opinion No. 650. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 126(6), e135-e142. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001214
- Davenport, M. H., et al. (2019). Exercise for the prevention and treatment of low back, pelvic girdle and lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(2), 90-98. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-098983
- Hay-Smith, J., et al. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10), CD007471. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007471.pub4
- Morkved, S., et al. (2014). Pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy to prevent urinary incontinence: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123(1), 91-97. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000000057
- Dumoulin, C., et al. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10), CD005654. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4
- Valiani, M., et al. (2015). The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises on urinary incontinence in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 6, 114. doi:10.4103/2008-7802.170405
- Pascoal, A. G., et al. (2017). Influence of different sitting positions on cervical range of motion, shoulder joint flexion, and trunk inclination in healthy women. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 40(5), 337-344. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.03.006
- Pennick, V., & Liddle, S. D. (2013). Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8), CD001139. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4
- Levett, K. M., et al. (2016). The effect of exercise on pelvic floor outcomes in pregnant women: A systematic review. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 71(7), 421-431. doi:10.1097/OGX.0000000000000325
- Stafne, S. N., et al. (2012). Breathing technique training versus no breathing technique training for prevention of perinatal anxiety and depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(11), 1024-1030. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0617
