Pregnancy is one of the transformative experiences a woman goes through in her lifetime. However, along with the joy, there are times when a fair share of discomforts and challenges are faced too.
Talking about frequent urination going all the way to back pain, the body undergoes huge shifts as it accommodates the growing baby. But did you know that pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) can take you out of all discomforts and be an excellent way to support your body during this transformative period?
In this blog, we’ll majorly focus on how this best physiotherapy in Milton during pregnancy can help a woman prepare their body for labor, and along with that speed up recovery postpartum. If you’re expecting, it’s time to learn why PFPT should be on your radar.
What is Pelvic Floor Pain Physical Therapy?
Pelvic pain physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the:
· Muscles
· Ligaments
· Connective tissues of the pelvic floor
These muscles support vital organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. During pregnancy, these muscles are under significant pressure due to the growing baby.
PFPT helps to strengthen and relax these muscles, ensuring that they function properly both before and after delivery.
How Can PFPT Benefit Expecting Moms?
As pregnancy progresses, a woman’s body goes through dramatic changes. The uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, and this creates a variety of physical challenges. Here’s where pelvic pain physiotherapy and PFPT can make a real difference.
· Reduced Risk of Incontinence Postpartum
It’s no secret that many women experience incontinence after childbirth. Research has shown that women who engage in PFPT during pregnancy have a decreased chance of dealing with incontinence postnatally.
This is because PFPT helps prepare the pelvic floor muscles for the stresses of childbirth, making them stronger and better able to support the bladder.
· Managing Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is a common symptom during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. As the baby grows, it puts pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent bathroom trips.
Pelvic floor physical therapists focus on maintaining a healthy balance of pelvic floor engagement. They can teach you how to control your pelvic floor muscles, allowing for better bladder control and fewer bathroom runs.
· Relieving Constipation
Constipation during pregnancy is another unpleasant symptom that many women face, particularly in the third trimester.
Hormonal changes and the pressure from the baby on the rectum can contribute to this issue. PFPT helps by teaching you how to relax the pelvic floor muscles to allow for easier stool evacuation.
Your physiotherapy provider can also offer helpful tips on toilet positioning and techniques to make the process smoother.
· Managing Pelvic Pain and SPD
Pubic bone pain, or symphysis pubis diastasis (SPD), is a common condition caused by the hormone relaxin. While relaxin helps the pelvic ring loosen in preparation for labor, it can also create discomfort in the low back, sacrum, and tailbone.
Pelvic pain physiotherapy can help retrain posture and guide you on how to engage the stabilizing muscles surrounding the pelvic ring, providing much-needed relief from pelvic pain.
How PFPT Prepares You for Labor?
One of the most important aspects of pelvic floor physical therapy is that it helps prepare your body for labor, whether you’re planning for a vaginal birth or a cesarean section.
PFPT can teach you techniques to relax and control your pelvic floor muscles during labor, which may help with delivery. In addition, the exercises you learn during your sessions will aid in faster recovery postpartum.
The Importance of Postpartum Care
Even after your baby is born, your pelvic floor continues to need care. Many women find it challenging to coordinate their pelvic floor and core muscles after childbirth.
· If you’ve been seeing a PFPT throughout your pregnancy, you’ll likely experience a faster recovery because your body will have muscle memory.
· Physical therapists work with new moms to retrain their pelvic floor and core muscles, helping them regain strength and coordination.
This is where the best physiotherapy services in Milton can provide essential support during your postpartum recovery.
When Should You Start PFPT During Pregnancy?
It’s never too early to start thinking about pelvic floor health during pregnancy. The earlier you begin PFPT, the better prepared your body will be for the physical demands of childbirth and postpartum recovery.
Many women start PFPT as soon as they find out they’re pregnant, while others wait until they begin experiencing discomfort. Regardless of when you start, it’s never too late to get the help you need. For those seeking pelvic pain physiotherapy, it’s a good idea to get started as soon as possible to ease discomforts.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a time of immense change, but pelvic floor pain physiotherapy can help you navigate this journey more comfortably. From reducing incontinence risk to alleviating pelvic pain, PFPT is a powerful tool for expecting moms.
It’s time to take control of your health and start preparing your body for the challenges of childbirth and recovery.
If you’re expecting and dealing with pregnancy-related discomfort, reach out to a pelvic floor physical therapist today. They can provide you with personalized exercises and techniques to help ease your symptoms and ensure a smoother pregnancy journey.
For those in the Milton area, make sure to check out our best physiotherapy services available at Mex Physio to support your pregnancy journey and beyond.
Tags: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Pain Physiotherapy, best physiotherapy in Milton