Prenatal & Postpartum Physiotherapy
Prenatal Physiotherapy
Pregnancy and delivery are risk factors to developing pelvic floor dysfunction so we encourage every person during this life phase to see a pelvic health physiotherapist.
There are a variety of ways a pelvic health physiotherapist may assist you in the prenatal period. Some common symptoms or concerns that may benefit from seeing a pelvic physiotherapist prenatally include:
Diastasis recti abdominus (DRA or ‘Mummy Tummy’):
A separation of the rectus abdominus muscle. As your baby grows during pregnancy, these muscles begin to stretch (which is normal). But, for some moms, a DRA can compromise functional core strength and contribute to low back pain, a protruding belly and prolapse. Read more about DRA on our Blog.
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP):
Pain that presents around the pelvis, lower back, hips or groin area as a result of alignment imbalances within the pubic symphysis and sacro-iliac joints. Read more about how pelvic physiotherapy can help with PGP.
Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist prenatally can also help establish baseline measures of pelvic floor muscle strength and tone so that postnatally, we have a better understanding any physiological or anatomical changes that may arise from the childbirth.
Preparation for Labour and Delivery:
A pelvic health physiotherapist is well versed to help you in preparation for labour and delivery by educating you on topics such as perineal care, breathing and positioning during labour. This way you will feel that much more empowered going into the birth.
Postpartum Physiotherapy
Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist in the postpartum period is essential for rehabilitation and preventative pelvic health care. Having carried and birthed a baby either by cesarean section or vaginally are risk factors to developing pelvic floor dysfunction so we encourage every person during this life phase to see a pelvic health physiotherapist.
The most common dysfunctions that may occur postpartum include: pelvic pain, sexual pain and incontinence (bladder or bowel). There are numerous reasons for postpartum pain and incontinence; however, some common explanations include: weakened muscles, scar tissue development from episiotomies or tears, prolapse and hormonal changes. Similar to during the prenatal period, diastasis rectus abdominus and pelvic girdle pain may still be of concern. Pelvic health physiotherapy can be of great benefit for those who seek to resolve these issues.
The first 12 weeks postpartum, also known as the fourth trimester, can be a difficult transitional time for many new mothers. Our online program ‘Flourish in the Fourth Trimester’ can help moms-to-be prepare ahead of time for this transition. Taking this holistic course prenatally is ideal as you still have the time and energy to absorb the practical information it provides. It will leave you feeling more at ease and in control of the many physical, nutritional, emotional and relationship changes that may occur with the arrival of a new baby. Learn more about the course here.