The Unsung Hero of Pregnancy: Why Every Expectant Parent Needs Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, filled with anticipation, joy, and a whole lot of physical changes. From the moment that little line appears, our bodies embark on an incredible, nine(ish)-month marathon. And while we often focus on nutrition, exercise, and birthing classes, there's one crucial aspect of prenatal care that often gets overlooked, yet holds immense power for a smoother pregnancy and a more empowered birth: prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy.

When you hear "pelvic floor," you might immediately think of pos

tpartum issues like incontinence. And while pelvic floor physiotherapy is undeniably vital after birth, its benefits during pregnancy are equally, if not more, profound, regardless of whether you're experiencing symptoms or enjoying an "uncomplicated" pregnancy. Forget the idea that this is only for those with leaks or aches – this is about optimizing your body for the incredible work ahead.

So, let's delve into why prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy isn't just a good idea, but an essential component of every expectant parent's journey.

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More Than Just Muscles: Understanding Your Pelvic Floor

Before we dive into the benefits, a quick refresher on this incredible group of muscles. Your pelvic floor is a hammock-like structure at the base of your pelvis, supporting your bladder, bowel, and uterus. It plays a crucial role in continence, sexual function, and, of course, childbirth. During pregnancy, these muscles are under increasing strain as your baby grows and your body releases hormones that loosen ligaments.

Benefit 1: Preparing Your Body for Labour – The Ultimate Birth Prep

This is arguably one of the most compelling reasons for prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy. Think of it as a personalized training program for the biggest athletic event of your life.

• Optimizing Muscle Flexibility and Strength for Birth: The pelvic floor muscles need to be strong enough to support the growing uterus but also flexible enough to stretch and open during labour. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess the current state of these muscles – are they too tight? Too weak? They can then guide you through exercises to improve their elasticity and strength, helping them to yield effectively during vaginal birth and minimize the risk of tearing.

• Learning to "Push" Effectively (and Safely): Believe it or not, pushing isn't just about bearing down. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can teach you proper pushing mechanics, guiding you on how to engage your abdominal muscles while relaxing your pelvic floor. This conscious control can make a significant difference in the efficiency of your pushes, potentially reducing the duration of the second stage of labour and minimizing undue strain on your pelvic floor. They can help you understand the difference between pushing with your pelvic floor and pushing through it.

• Breathing and Relaxation Techniques for Labour: Beyond just the muscles, physiotherapy often incorporates breathing exercises and relaxation techniques specifically designed for labour. Learning to breathe through contractions and consciously relax your pelvic floor can be an invaluable tool for managing pain and facilitating progress.

Benefit 2: Optimizing Range of Motion for Pregnancy and Labour

Pregnancy brings about significant postural changes. The shifting center of gravity, increased weight, and hormonal influences can impact your joints and muscles, not just in your pelvis, but throughout your entire body.

• Addressing Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and Sciatica: Many expectant parents experience pelvic pain, hip pain, or lower back pain, often collectively referred to as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or sciatica. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can identify the root cause of this pain, which often stems from instability in the pelvis or muscular imbalances. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and ergonomic advice, they can significantly reduce or even eliminate these discomforts, improving your quality of life during pregnancy.

• Improving Hip Mobility for Labour Positions: Optimal hip mobility is crucial for comfortable and effective labour positions. A physiotherapist can assess your hip range of motion and provide exercises to improve it, allowing for greater flexibility and comfort when trying different positions during labour that can open the pelvis and aid in baby's descent.

• Maintaining Overall Joint Health: By addressing postural changes and muscular imbalances, prenatal physiotherapy helps to maintain overall joint health, preventing or alleviating common pregnancy-related aches and pains beyond just the pelvic region.

Benefit 3: Modifying, Increasing, and Encouraging Physical Activity and Strengthening During Pregnancy

Staying active during pregnancy is highly beneficial for both parent and baby, but it's crucial to do so safely and effectively. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can be your guide.

• Safe Exercise Guidance: They can assess your current fitness level and pregnancy progression to recommend appropriate and safe exercises. This might include modifying existing routines, introducing new exercises that are beneficial for pregnancy (like specific core or glute strengthening), or even advising against certain activities that could put undue strain on your body.

• Strengthening Key Muscles for Pregnancy Support: Beyond the pelvic floor, a physiotherapist can guide you in strengthening other vital muscle groups that support your growing belly and maintain good posture, such as your deep core muscles, glutes, and upper back. This not only helps with comfort during pregnancy but also contributes to better recovery postpartum.

• Encouraging Continued Activity: For those who might be hesitant to exercise during pregnancy due to discomfort or uncertainty, a physiotherapist can provide reassurance, personalized guidance, and modifications that make physical activity enjoyable and sustainable. This can lead to better energy levels, improved mood, and a healthier weight gain throughout pregnancy.

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Why Even an "Uncomplicated" Pregnancy Benefits

It's easy to think, "I'm not leaking, I'm not in pain, so why do I need this?" But this is where the proactive power of prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy truly shines.

• Prevention is Key: Addressing potential weaknesses or imbalances before they become symptomatic can prevent issues like incontinence or prolapse from developing postpartum. It's about building a strong foundation.

• Enhanced Awareness and Control: Learning about your pelvic floor and how to connect with it offers invaluable body awareness. This understanding empowers you during labour and aids in a more effective and potentially quicker recovery postpartum.

• Personalized Guidance: Every pregnancy is unique. Even without symptoms, a physiotherapist can provide personalized advice on posture, exercise, and body mechanics that are tailored to your specific needs and goals.

• Optimizing for Future Pregnancies: Investing in your pelvic floor health now can have long-term benefits, potentially making subsequent pregnancies and postpartum recoveries smoother.

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What to Expect During a Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physio Appointment

A session with a pelvic floor physiotherapist is typically a comfortable and confidential experience. They will likely:

• Take a Detailed History: Discuss your pregnancy, any symptoms, your activity levels, and your goals.

• Perform a Comprehensive Assessment: This may include an external assessment of your posture, breathing patterns, and core engagement, as well as an internal vaginal examination (with your informed consent) to assess the strength, tone, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.

• Provide Education: Explain their findings in an easy-to-understand way.

• Develop a Personalized Treatment Plan: This might include:

  • Specific exercises (pelvic floor exercises, core strengthening, stretching)

  • Manual therapy techniques

  • Breathing exercises

  • Education on posture, body mechanics, and pushing techniques

  • Advice on pain management and comfortable positioning

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The Investment in Yourself (and Your Baby)

Prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy is an investment – not just of time and money, but an investment in your well-being, your confidence, and your overall birthing experience. It's about empowering you with knowledge and tools to navigate the physical demands of pregnancy and labour, and to set yourself up for a stronger, smoother postpartum recovery.

So, whether you're experiencing aches and pains, or sailing through pregnancy symptom-free, consider adding prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy to your prenatal care plan. It's the unsung hero that can make all the difference, preparing your body, mind, and spirit for the beautiful journey of bringing new life into the world. You and your baby deserve it.

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Clare Donaldson is a Registered Physiotherapist, mom, Crossfit enthusiast, poor but passionate hockey player, and genuine lover of all things physiotherapy. She is especially interested in keeping moms of all ages strong and healthy throughout their lives. When she's not at CONNECT, you can find Clare hiking with her dog, Moose, or spending time with her young family. To find Clare at CONNECT, click here