So you just found out you’re pregnant! Congratulations! There is so much excitement and the first few weeks fly by as you are filled with joy and anticipation. But soon reality sets in and it comes the time to prepare for the baby. Hundreds of books, How-to blogs, doctor appointments and the list goes on. As your body goes through tremendous changes it is crucial to provide support to the body. One of the aspects that often gets overlooked is the health of the pelvic floor. In this blog post we’ll explore why pelvic floor therapy is an essential part of prenatal care prior to birth!
Understanding the Pelvic Floor:
Let’s start with the basics; what exactly is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor refers to a very large group of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues that provide support to the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. They run from the pubic bone to the sacrum. This large group of muscles plays a vital role during pregnancy, childbirth, and even in maintaining continence (a.k.a the ability to control urination and bowel movements).
Here are the Top Reasons to Consider Prenatal Pelvic Floor Therapy during your Pregnancy!
Prevent or Manage Incontinence:
Urinary incontinence, the uncontrolled leakage of urine, is a common issue during and after pregnancy. But, just because it is common DOES NOT mean it has to be a normal part of your life. Prenatal pelvic floor therapy can help manage and even prevent this dysfunction. Through training we can aid the pelvic floor as it begins to take on a heavier load as the baby grows and uterus expands. This helps you maintain control of your bladder, and your life.
Reduce the Risk of Prolapse:
Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the uterus or bladder) sag or drop into the vaginal area due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Through proper strength training you can reduce the risk of prolapse and mitigate the likelihood of discomfort, pain, and complications that are associated with it. P.S. no, kegels are not always the answer!
Promote Faster Recovery Postpartum:
After giving birth, the body needs time to heal and recover. Prenatal pelvic floor therapy can help provide a buffer so you can take the time you need to recover without the worry of weakness and dysfunction. A solid Prenatal Pelvic Plan of Care can be the difference between a painful postpartum or a peaceful one.
To Summarize:
Your body undergoes incredible changes during pregnancy, and it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being. Our body’s are AMAZING and they know exactly what to do in order to grow a beautiful healthy baby but it’s our jobs to help support them along the way. Prenatal pelvic floor therapy offers numerous benefits for women, including preparing for childbirth, preventing or managing incontinence, reducing the risk of prolapse, and promoting faster postpartum recovery.
By introducing pelvic floor therapy into your prenatal care, you can give your body the strength to not only make it through pregnancy and birth but to flourish in the process and thrive in the postpartum period. Remember, taking care of your body is an important part of preparing for the beautiful journey of motherhood!
