During pregnancy, your body undergoes remarkable changes to accommodate your growing baby:
- Your pelvic floor muscles support up to 35 pounds of additional weight
- Relaxin hormone increases joint mobility throughout your pelvis
- Your center of gravity shifts, affecting posture and movement patterns
- Abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate your growing uterus
Common Pelvic Health Concerns During Pregnancy
- Urinary Incontinence
- Pelvic Girdle Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Diastasis Recti (stretching of the abdominal muscles)
- Pelvic Floor Tension
Postpartum Recovery: Beyond the Fourth Trimester
- Perineal Pain and Healing: Particularly following tears or episiotomy
- Pelvic Floor Weakness: Contributing to incontinence and prolapse
- Increased Pelvic Floor Tension: Causing pain with intercourse or tampon use
- Diastasis Recti: Continued separation of abdominal muscles
- Scar Tissue Management: For cesarean or perineal scars
- Pelvic Instability: Ongoing pelvic or low back pain
- Coccyx Pain: Particularly following difficult deliveries
How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Helps
During Pregnancy
- Preventative Care: Preparing your pelvic floor for birth
- Pain Management: Techniques for addressing pelvic girdle and back pain
- Education: Guidance on optimal posture and movement patterns
- Exercise Prescription: Safe strengthening and stretching during pregnancy
- Birth Preparation: Techniques for efficient pushing and perineal protection
Postpartum Recovery
- Early Assessment: Identifying issues before they become chronic
- Gradual Rehabilitation: Appropriate progressive loading of healing tissues
- Scar Management: Techniques to optimize mobility and reduce pain
- Return to Exercise: Safe, individualized guidance for rebuilding strength