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.
Other Helpful Links:
Top 4 Reasons to see a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Pre and Postnatally
