Pelvic floor physical therapists work with individuals experiencing bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain.
The pelvic floor muscles undergo quite a bit of stress carrying and delivering (regardless of vaginal or cesarean birth) a baby. As a result, we work with many postpartum people.
But you don’t have to wait until after baby to work with us, there is so much value in coming in pregnant and working with us.
Keep reading to find out why you should prehab with us at Hudson Valley Physical Therapy
We can still address bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunction, and pain
You don’t have to wait it out to address these quality of life issues, and don’t assume that leakage is just an inevitable part of pregnancy.
In fact, people who start leaking with coughing, sneezing, and laughing (called stress urinary incontinence) during pregnancy are 5.79 more likely to have leakage one year postpartum than individuals who did not develop stress urinary incontinence during pregnancy (Diez‐Itza et al., 2010).
Pregnancy creates the biggest risk for development of prolapse (Memon & Handa, 2012). Constipation is an unfortunate common occurrence during pregnancy.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you address constipation so you protect those precious pelvic floor muscles from straining.
In addition, you should not just have to deal with pain because you’re pregnant. Pelvic girdle pain occurs in up to 20% of pregnancies and can linger into the postpartum period. (Vleeming, Albert, Östgaard, Sturesson, & Stuge, 2008). Your physical therapist can help you move and feel better.
We can help you prepare for an optimal labor and delivery
Our therapists have done additional training on positioning and techniques for labor and delivery.
Did you know the tilt of the pelvis can help open up the top or bottom of the pelvis based on the stage of labor you’re in?
Did you know that there are other positions to deliver in besides lying on your back? Your therapist can take you through your options and determine what position your pelvic floor is most relaxed in.
Our specialists can take you through positioning for first and second stage of labor
Are you concerned about a history of low back pain or underlying hypermobility? We can work give you options to help protect vulnerable musculoskeletal injuries during delivery.
Bring your partner in too
Your partner can help you with positioning and different pain relief techniques during labor.
We love to bring partners in for some practice. Our goal for go time is that you have options that you are comfortable and confident using.
Perineal massage is a wonderful technique to prepare the pelvic floor for delivery. Reaching for perineal massage can be a bit tricky at 36+ weeks. Your partner can really help you out here.
*note we always consult with your medical provider and take your medical history into consideration before making any recommendations
Cesarean delivery
Pelvic floor physical therapy is essential even if you know that your birth plan is a cesarean delivery. Pregnancy places a lot of stress on your pelvic floor muscles regardless of type of delivery.
Post cesarean recovery can be a bit scary. Your therapist can help you navigate the immediate recovery process with gentle exercises, postural training, and how to move safely or even cough or sneeze after cesarean delivery.
Check out some basic breathing exercises below to assist in cesarean recovery.
Diaphragmatic breathing is a great way to work on rib mobility, for pain relief, and to activate your core.
Don’t wait until postpartum. You can have a happy and healthy pregnancy and optimize your postpartum experience now.
Want to learn more? We offer a 4 session perinatal package found here: https://hudsonvalleypt.com/services/#perinatal-postpartum-packages
Our 4 session Perinatal Package Includes:
- One 60 minute one-on-one in office prenatal session at 14 weeks pregnant or more
- One 90 minute in office session on labor and delivery/birth prep at 35-36 weeks pregnant with partner or support person
- One virtual 30 minute session at 2-3 weeks postpartum
- One 60 minute one-on-one in office session at 4-6 weeks postpartum or when medically cleared
Diez‐Itza, I., Arrue, M., Ibañez, L., Murgiondo, A., Paredes, J., & Sarasqueta, C. (2010). Factors involved in
stress urinary incontinence 1 year after first delivery. International Urogynecology Journal,
21(4), 439–445. doi:10.1007/s00192‐009‐1055‐y
Vleeming, A., Albert, H. B., Östgaard, H. C., Sturesson, B., & Stuge, B. (2008). European guidelines for the
diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. European Spine Journal, 17(6), 794–819.