Sarah is 32 years old and pregnant for the first time. She’s 28 weeks along and starting to think about giving birth.
Sarah's not sure what to expect!
She’s read about perineal massage but is not sure when or how to do it. She also heard that Kegels could help with delivery, so she does some every now and then. Recently, she’s started to feel pain in her groin, especially when she’s rolling over in bed or trying to put her pants on.
If you’re like Sarah, you could get answers to your questions AND help with pain by working with a pelvic floor physical therapist!
Pelvic Floor Exercises During Pregnancy
Pelvic floor physical therapists undergo extensive training beyond standard physical therapy education to specialize in addressing pelvic floor dysfunction.
This specialization equips them to address a wide range of common issues, including urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy-related concerns, postpartum recovery, and pelvic pain.
These therapists focus on the muscles of the pelvic floor, which often go unnoticed until problems arise. Pregnancy, in particular, can exacerbate issues such as pain, posture, urinary leakage, and constipation due to the increased pressure on the pelvic region and core muscle strength.
By leveraging their expertise and specialized techniques and pregnancy exercises, pelvic floor physical therapists can effectively diagnose and treat these issues, helping individuals regain control over their pelvic health and improve their overall quality of life.
If you are one of these people, then you are not alone! And like Sarah, most pregnant people are told “it's normal” and to put up with it until they deliver. Of the women who experience lower back or pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, only 15-30% of them receive treatment for it.
We can do better!
Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist during pregnancy can help you:
Address current aches, pains, or pelvic floor issues
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy offers relief from discomfort and ensures you can remain active and comfortable throughout this transformative time.
With the guidance of pelvic floor physical therapists, you can safely strengthen your pelvic floor and core abdominal muscles, enabling you to engage in physical activity with confidence and minimize the risk of pain or injury.
Prepare your pelvic floor muscles for a vaginal and/or Cesarean birth
Pelvic floor physical therapists play a vital role in preparing expectant mothers for childbirth by offering valuable insights into various pushing techniques, labor positions, and stretches to mitigate the risk of perineal tearing during delivery.
Moreover, they provide guidance on postpartum recovery, including tailored advice for those undergoing scheduled C-sections, ensuring mothers receive the necessary support and information to navigate their recovery journey effectively.
Prepare your pelvic floor for a vaginal and/or Cesarean birth
Pelvic floor physical therapists play a vital role in preparing expectant mothers for childbirth by offering valuable insights into various pushing techniques, labor positions, and stretches to mitigate the risk of perineal tearing during delivery.
Moreover, they provide guidance on postpartum recovery, including tailored advice for those undergoing scheduled C-sections, ensuring mothers receive the necessary support and information to navigate their recovery journey effectively.
Prepare for & navigate postpartum recovery
Preparing for postpartum recovery is essential, and pelvic floor physical therapists are invaluable guides in this journey.
They provide insight into what to expect during recovery, dispelling myths and offering personalized advice to optimize the healing process. Many patients find comfort in continuing their care with the same pelvic floor therapist they saw during pregnancy, fostering continuity and trust in their recovery journey.
Remember, it's never too late to seek support from a pelvic floor pt. Whether you're two months or twenty years postpartum, pelvic floor muscle training can significantly impact your well-being.
At our Financial District location in San Francisco, our team is dedicated to supporting you at every stage of your postpartum period journey, offering both in-person and virtual appointments for your convenience.
Take Sarah, for example. With the expertise of a board-certified women's health specialist at Agile PT, she received tailored pelvic floor exercises to alleviate pelvic girdle pain, learned strategies for improved mobility, and gained insights into preparing her body for childbirth.
As she transitions into parenthood, Sarah plans to continue her journey with her trusted pelvic floor physical therapist, ensuring she receives the ongoing support she needs for optimal recovery.
Did you know that pelvic floor physical therapy is the standard of care for postpartum women in France? Let’s make it standard of care in the US too! To find an Agile pelvic health specialist near you visit: https://agilept.com/about/staff/
Dr. Monika is a Physical Therapist who helps people to reclaim their function and joy in life by conquering pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, GI issues, and pain during pregnancy/postpartum. She believes that no one should have to suffer because of the stigma society has when it comes to pelvic health. Monika partners with each client to create an individualized treatment program specific to their goals.
Monika earned her Bachelors in Health Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Springfield College. She then went on to complete rigorous post-professional residency training at Brooks Rehabilitation to specialize in Women’s Health. She is one of less than 400 board certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialists in physical therapy in the country. Monika continues to pursue her love of learning and teaching through presenting at national conferences, teaching professional continuing education courses, and frequently lecturing to healthcare providers and local community groups. To share her love of pelvic health with more people, she founded the website Lift Laugh Kegel. Dr. Monika loves to eat, travel, and cook.
