At Wellest, we are thrilled when we get new patient inquiries of women looking for preventative care and delivery preparation during pregnancy. Did you know that working with a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy has been associated with shorter duration of labor, reduced risk of vaginal injuries, and better outcomes during the postpartum period?
Changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are tons of changes happening in the body! Hormones are being released to help prepare the body for birth and for growing another human. Ligaments that are normally used for stability around your joints become lax, and this can sometimes lead to pain in the hips, pelvis or low back. Depending on the position of the baby and stage of pregnancy, there may be increased pressure on the bladder causing trouble fully emptying the bladder or giving you the feeling of having to pee all the time. As the pregnancy gets closer to the third trimester, the abdominal muscles will begin to overstretch and weaken, causing the lower back muscles to overwork and feel tight.
When to see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist during Pregnancy
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help to manage these common aches and pains and give you tips on how to optimize your daily functioning as your pregnancy progresses. Ideally, it's best to start preventative care in the second trimester, when such issues commonly arise. However, if your pregnancy is progressing smoothly without concerns, preparing for birth during 4-6 visits starting around 34-35 weeks is beneficial.
What Occurs During Pregnancy and Birth Prep Visits?
Your visits will include a comprehensive review of your medical history and an assessment of your posture, movement, and pelvic floor muscle tone and strength. As your due date approaches, we'll focus on relaxing pelvic floor muscles and techniques like perineal massage to facilitate an easier birth. We'll also guide you on safe movement and exercise practices to prevent injuries during pregnancy and birth itself. In the final sessions, we invite your partner to learn pain management methods to support a calm, relaxed birthing experience.
Teaching How to Push
During childbirth, different pushing techniques, such as open glottis and closed glottis pushing, play a crucial role. Open glottis pushing involves exhaling while pushing, aligning more naturally with the body's urge to bear down, and is often less strenuous on the pelvic floor. Closed glottis pushing, on the other hand, is like holding your breath and pushing, which can be more intense and sometimes less effective.
A common misconception is that the pelvic floor muscles actively push out the baby. In reality, these muscles need to relax and stretch to facilitate birth. This is where pelvic floor physical therapy becomes invaluable. A pelvic PT can provide real-time feedback on your pushing technique and biomechanics, ensuring that you're pushing effectively while keeping your pelvic floor relaxed. This is a prevention component that is crucial to practice, especially in more than one birthing position. Working with a pelvic PT can empower you with the right techniques and knowledge for a more comfortable and controlled childbirth experience.
Reach out to us!
At Wellest, we're dedicated to making your birthing experience as positive and empowering as possible. If you're curious about how we can assist or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@wellesthealth.com. We're here to support your journey every step of the way!