It is time we make this a common topic for women as we unlock the Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Birth Preparation, Prenatal Fitness, and Postpartum Pain Relief!
Welcoming a new life into the world is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it often comes with physical challenges for expectant and new mothers. With my first child, I did not know what pelvic floor was, nor was I aware of the potential aftermath childbirth affected a woman's body. I had the notion this is what our human bodies were meant to do and we will all miraculously bounce back to our pre-pregnancy bodies and functions. Oh boy, was I wrong!
When I was pregnant with my second child, I started experiencing back and abdominal muscle pain. Which led me down the path of physiotherapy and was recommended to see a Pelvic floor physiotherapist. After a few sessions of Pelvic floor therapy, I was able to maintain a healthy level of prenatal fitness, allowed me to knowledgeably prepare for my beautiful VBAC delivery, and managed postpartum pain relief effectively. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of pelvic floor physiotherapy and how it plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smoother pregnancy journey and a faster postpartum recovery
Understanding Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy, specifically focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs. These muscles play a vital role during childbirth, making it essential for expectant mothers to strengthen and prepare them for the birthing process.
As you may have heard, if you get an epidural, sensitivity to the lower part of your body will be diminished to very little or none at all in an effort to reduce the pain experienced. Hence, having an understanding of which muscles are responsibility for pushing can be tremendously helpful. In my experience with the birth of my second child, it was important to know what muscles to engage while feeling little to no sensation during my Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC).
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Birth Preparation
As the due date approaches, expectant mothers may want to include pelvic floor physiotherapy as part of their birth preparation routine. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy involves targeted exercises to enhance pelvic floor muscle strength, flexibility, and control. By doing so, women can experience reduced perineal trauma during childbirth and a potentially smoother delivery. It's the same concept if we want to prepare for a marathon - we will want to train our bodies on a regularly basis before we run that big race!
Beyond just the physical exercises, pelvic floor physiotherapy can includes education on the birth process, learning proper birthing positions, and breathing techniques. These elements contribute to a comprehensive birth preparation strategy, empowering women with the tools they need for a positive birthing experience.
Prenatal Fitness and Pelvic Floor Health
Staying active and maintaining regular exercises during pregnancy is crucial for the well-being of both mom and baby. Incorporating prenatal fitness routines that specifically address pelvic floor health can further enhance the benefits.
Exercises such as Kegels and reverse Kegels, pelvic tilts, and controlled breathing techniques are all can be excellent to learn prior to childbirth. From my personal experience, some exercises such as learning how to stand properly, and learning the proper technique to pick up a young toddler can really help alleviate common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as lower back pain and pelvic pressure.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a valuable resource for expectant and new mothers, offering benefits that extend beyond birth preparation. From promoting prenatal fitness to managing urinary leaks, constipation and providing postpartum pain relief, this specialized form of physical therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy journey. Embracing pelvic floor physiotherapy as an integral part of the perinatal care routine can empower women to navigate the challenges of childbirth with confidence and achieve a faster, more robust postpartum recovery.
Comfort and Pain Relief
Once expectant mothers grasp the pelvic floor exercises, most do start to get some pain relief by knowing what muscles to engage, and to utilize proper techniques in daily routines.
There is one more benefits to staying active and combatting prenatal discomfort through pelvic floor therapy. One of the most beautiful gift that you can create for your family is to capture your incredible pregnancy during and radiant your pregnancy through a beautiful maternity portrait session. The more flexible and comfortable you are, the more we can capture the beauty of your pregnancy for you.
Surabhi Veitch is a wonderful and well-established Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist located in North York, Toronto. She offers a wealth of knowledge surrounding pelvic floor health, and has created an abundance of amazing and educational content in her Mom Strength Podcast and blog.
She offers both in-person in North York at the North Don River Valley Midwifery Care clinic, as well as virtual appointments. To book a complimentary consultation with Surabhi, you can visit link here.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a valuable resource for expectant and new mothers, offering benefits that extend beyond birth preparation. From promoting prenatal fitness to providing postpartum pain relief, this specialized form of physical therapy plays a crucial role in ensuring a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy journey. Embracing pelvic floor physiotherapy as an integral part of the perinatal care routine can empower women to navigate the challenges of childbirth with confidence and achieve a faster, more robust postpartum recovery.
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