Pregnancy can be the most wonderful experience in the world. But it also really does a number on your body – after all, you’re supporting another human being! And like most working professionals, you want to get back in the saddle as fast as possible.
Both before and after birth, women often experience a range of symptoms related to changes in their pelvic pregnancy muscles. These changes are temporary, but they can last longer if nothing is done to strengthen these muscles. In this guide, we’ll talk about what changes to expect to your pelvic floor muscles are, why pelvic floor physiotherapy is so important to shortening your recovery time, and why you need personalized, individual care for maximum benefit.
What Is Pre-Natal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy (pre-natal) is when women rehabilitate what are known as their pelvic floor muscles, which are often weakened by a number of causes — with childbirth being one of the most common causes. Your pelvic floor consists of muscles that help support critical bodily functions in that area, such as your urinary tract, bowels, and reproductive pelvic organs. When these muscles get weak, those organs don’t function as well as they should.
By doing pelvic floor exercises before birth, pregnant mothers may be able to prevent postnatal problems such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, and it can help prepare the body for labour and delivery.
Why Expecting Mothers Need It
Expecting mothers experience some extra pressure on the pelvic floor, and the muscles in this area may loosen due to hormones. Doing pelvic floor physiotherapy before birth makes it easier to recover after birth and avoids some of those postnatal problems mentioned above.
Is It Safe?
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is safe for pregnant mothers. Carefully exercising your pelvic floor muscles will not harm the fetus.
5 Benefits of Pre-Natal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
So just what can you expect to get out of this process? There are five main benefits to beginning a pre-natal pelvic floor physiotherapy regimen early on in your pregnancy.
Prevents Unpleasant Symptoms
A weakened pelvic floor is associated with problems such as abdominal separation, constipation, urinary incontinence, organ prolapse, and bowel or urine leakage. By keeping these muscles strong, you reduce the risk of these issues leading up to and following birth. Also, weakened pelvic muscles can result in pain during sex for women, so strengthening them can lessen these symptoms.
Reduces the Need for Medication and Surgery
It’s always good to avoid medication and surgery when you can, as they are often expensive and may have unpleasant side effects that negatively impact your quality of life. By taking the proactive step of pre-natal pelvic floor physiotherapy, you reduce the chances you’ll need extra surgery or medication.
Helps You Get Back to Normal Faster
You have a daily routine and a career, and it’s important to get back to normal as soon as possible with minimal disruption. A pregnancy is a major undertaking to the human body, and a longer recovery process makes it harder to get back to that routine. By being proactive and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, you can ensure you’ll be back in action and while also being ready to support your little one as quickly as possible.
Helps Build Good, Healthy Habits
Did you know that pelvic floor physiotherapists can also help with diet and nutrition? These also impact your pelvic floor strength and recovery after birth, and so you can help build healthy habits that will benefit your life long after birth. You may also learn good habits when it comes to hydration and other techniques to improve your overall health.
Support From a Professional
Pregnancy can be a wonderful but at times intimidating process, so it’s helpful to have a professional physiotherapist in your corner who can help you handle it in the best way possible. They can set up regular appointments with you to talk over your progress and help educate you on the best way to manage your symptoms.
The Ideal Timeline for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
It is best to start doing pelvic floor physiotherapy between the second and third trimester — so at about the 24-week mark of your pregnancy. This gives your body time to build the pelvic floor muscles as you prepare your body to give birth. After birth, it’s a good idea to wait about four to six weeks before making a return to exercising to boost your pelvic health.
Why Women Should Only Visit Registered Physiotherapists
The reason for only choosing a registered pelvic floor physiotherapist to help you with this therapy is the same as in any other medical profession: whenever you seek medical advice, you should always do it with a licensed and registered professional.
Pelvic physiotherapists who are licensed and registered can look at your medical history, conduct a physical and internal examination, and make recommendations as far as exercise and nutrition that won’t cause harm to you or your child. They can also teach you about techniques for perineal massage to address pelvic pain.
At White Pine Health, we have a multi-disciplinary team here in Woodbridge, Ontario that is licensed and experienced in physiotherapy, both pre- and post-natal. We can work with you to create a customized plan and make the entire process as pleasant and relaxing as possible. Book an appointment with us if you want to learn more.
