Introduction

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative time for expectant mothers. However, it can also be accompanied by a variety of physical discomforts and challenges. One effective way to address these issues is by seeing a pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy. This specialized form of physical therapy focuses on strengthening and maintaining the muscles and connective tissues that support the uterus, bladder, and bowels. Pelvic floor physical therapists are the “deep core experts” and are equipped to be your go-to provider. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy, including deep core activation, and how it can help alleviate common ailments.

pregnant women at pelvic floor physical therapy

Deep Core Activation During Pregnancy

Deep core activation refers to the process of engaging and strengthening the deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and multifidus. These muscles work together to provide stability and support for the entire body, and play a vital role during pregnancy and childbirth.

By learning how to activate and engage these muscles effectively, expectant mothers can experience numerous benefits, such as:

  1. Improved posture and alignment: Proper deep core activation helps maintain good posture and alignment, reducing strain on the spine and preventing common pregnancy-related discomforts like lower back pain and pelvic pain.
  2. Better bladder control: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help prevent or alleviate urinary incontinence, a common issue during pregnancy and postpartum.
  3. Enhanced labor experience: Strong deep core muscles can help facilitate an easier labor and childbirth by providing better control and support during contractions, pushing, and delivery.

Working with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Addressing Common Pregnancy Ailments

A qualified pelvic floor physical therapist can help pregnant women address various common ailments, such as:

  1. Diastasis Recti: This condition occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, creating a gap that can lead to pain and instability. This gap often cannot be prevented but learning how to activate your deep core to support it can reduce the chances of a more severe one. A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide specific exercises to help regain core strength.
  2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Weak pelvic floor muscles or poor strategies for moving your body can lead to organs like the uterus, bladder, or rectum descending into the vaginal canal. A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen and support these organs, preventing or treating prolapse symptoms.
  3. Prenatal and Postpartum Pain: Pelvic floor physical therapy can help alleviate common pregnancy-related pains, such as lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica, by improving muscle strength, flexibility, and function and teaching patients correct body mechanics.

Perineal Massage, Labor Positions, and Correct Pushing Techniques

In addition to addressing common ailments, a pelvic floor physical therapist can teach expectant mothers valuable skills and techniques to prepare for labor and delivery. These may include:

  1. Perineal Massage: Regular perineal massage can help increase blood flow, elasticity, and flexibility in the perineal tissues, reducing the risk of tearing during childbirth.
  2. Labor Positions: A pelvic floor physical therapist can recommend and teach various labor positions to help reduce pain, facilitate the descent of the baby, and promote a smoother delivery.
  3. Correct Pushing Techniques: Learning how to push effectively and in coordination with contractions can help prevent excessive strain on the pelvic floor and promote a more efficient labor process.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy offers a range of benefits, from deep core activation to the alleviation of common ailments. Working with a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist can help expectant mothers prepare for a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and childbirth experience. By learning valuable techniques like perineal massage, optimal labor positions, and correct pushing strategies, pregnant women can feel confident and empowered as they embark on their journey into motherhood.

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