Yes it’s True! As a Pelvic floor physical therapist, I play an integral part from your pregnancy to birth, and from birth to regaining function postpartum. If you’re pregnant, you should already be seeing your pelvic PT! There is no need to wait for pain or dysfunction to seek care.
During pregnancy:
I help progress the the patient through a pain-free pregnancy (or help decrease or eliminate pain/discomfort that arises). I teach birth positions, make sure they know how to relax the pelvic floor in each position, help them choose birth positions they tolerate best, teach perineal stretching, and teach them the best way to push to avoid tearing. Physical therapy can help to improve the overall flexibility and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, which can make them more resilient and better able to handle the demands of childbirth.
Addressing pain and discomfort: Many women experience pain and discomfort in the pelvic region during pregnancy, and pelvic floor physical therapy can help to alleviate these symptoms by addressing the underlying causes. Pain during pregnancy, though common, is not normal! Improving posture and body mechanics: Good posture and proper body mechanics can help to reduce stress on the pelvic floor muscles, which can make them better able to handle the demands of labor and delivery.
Postpartum:
I like to see patients at 2 weeks (of course, no internal work at this point.) I teach them how to reconnect to their pelvic floor, how to lift the baby without creating prolapse, discuss lactation and their breastfeeding journey, discuss cesarean scar healing if applicable, and give them gentle movements that are safe at this phase. After their two week appointment, I will see them to help them return to their fully functional life and help them return to their favorite activities and sports!
