Should I Start PFPT During Pregnancy?

A Strong Foundation

Postpartum is a natural time for women to seek out pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT), but we are often asked by our patients if there are benefits to starting PFPT during pregnancy. The answer is YES-- PFPT during pregnancy is safe under the guidance of a certified pelvic floor physical therapist, and it can be extremely useful for reducing pregnancy-related symptoms and discomfort while preparing your body for labor, birth and beyond. Here at Movement Physio & Wellness, we are honored to support our expectant patients through this exciting time of change and transformation in their lives! Check out all of the ways PFPT can help you if you are currently expecting or are thinking about growing your family.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Your pelvic floor physical therapist can help you build a strong foundation for your pregnancy by teaching you how to properly contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles. Training these muscles provides extra support for your growing baby and pelvic organs, while reducing urinary leakage and preparing your body for birth. Additionally, muscles that are fit and healthy before birth will heal more quickly and efficiently after birth.

Core & Hip Strengthening

As your center of gravity naturally shifts in pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby, this increased pressure can lead to tightness in your low back muscles and a weakened core. Therefore, stabilization of this area, as well as hip, glute, and low back strengthening are all incredibly important to help support your changing body structure. A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide you with safe exercises and stretches during pregnancy to activate these areas, which can reduce pain and improve mobility as your pregnancy progresses.

Preventing Injury

As your body changes during pregnancy, your pelvic floor physical therapist can utilize body mechanics to help you maintain correct posture and show you safe and gentle ways to move your body, from getting in and out of the car, to picking up objects off of the floor. Learning how to safely move prevents injury and helps protect your growing baby.

Learn Diaphragm Breathing

One of the cornerstones of PFPT is diaphragm breathing, which also happens to be a critical skill during labor and pushing.  This style of deep breathing relaxes your pelvic floor and promotes stability in your low back and abdomen, which helps you manage pain and pressure during labor and helps you effectively push your baby down the birth canal.

Labor Preparation

Your pelvic floor physical therapist can help build your confidence and prepare you for a successful delivery by showing you different positions for labor and birth, breathing exercises, and introducing other tools such as birthing stools and exercise balls. Pelvic floor PTs are also qualified to provide perineal massage as well as show you techniques to help prepare these fragile tissues for birth.

Prevention & Support Team

Most of all, initiating PFPT during pregnancy can prevent many issues you may  experience following birth, such as prolapse, urinary incontinence, and abdominal separation known as diastasis recti.  In addition, having a team of providers such as pelvic floor PTs, doulas, massage therapists and others can provide you with a strong network of support during this exciting period of life. We would love to support you during your pregnancy journey. Please feel free to reach out to us today for more information or to schedule an evaluation!