How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help You During Pregnancy and Postpartum

By Dr. Meilin Yang, PT, DPT, of Lumina Pelvic Health

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy During Pregnancy

Many changes to your body occur during pregnancy, like posture shifts in the spine and pelvis, increased strain on the pelvic floor, hormone surges, and ligaments stretching and thickening. Prenatal physical therapy can help expectant mothers manage the physical challenges and discomforts that often come with pregnancy. Personally, I’ve found that prenatal physical therapy is helping me during my own pregnancy (and no, it’s not all about kegels...)

● Relieve pain, particularly in the low back, hips and pelvis

● Strengthen your deep core including pelvic floor muscles

● Improve posture and body mechanics

● Manage swelling and muscle cramping

● Teach breathing and relaxation techniques for a smooth labor and delivery

● Teach labor and pushing positions and intentional movements to ease pain during active labor and prevent 3rd/4th degree perineal tearing or emergency c-section

● Provide safe home exercise programs

● Prepare you for early postpartum recovery

When should you start prenatal physical therapy?

I encourage women who are pregnant to start as soon as their second trimester. Giving birth is a big event (think full marathon) so the earlier you prepare, the more confident and empowered you will feel going into it!

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Early Postpartum Recovery

Being a new mom can be overwhelming with taking care of your newborn and trying to find time to recover from birth. Postnatal Physical Therapy can help you with the healing process after giving birth, addressing issues like perineal tears and C-section scars. Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, pain with sex and pelvic organ prolapse. Physical therapy can guide you in rebuilding core strength, which is essential for posture, stability, and overall physical health. Though you may feel fine right after giving birth, symptoms can catch up to you 5 months or 5 years later so it would be good to check in with a pelvic floor specialist.

When should I start postpartum physical therapy?

Generally, between 6-8 weeks postpartum. You can see a pelvic floor physical therapist as soon as you feel comfortable to get started on regaining strength and improving posture and mobility. You don’t have to wait until after your 6 week postpartum checkup with your OB or midwife. However, most pelvic floor physical therapists do not perform internal pelvic exams until you get the medical clearance from your provider. Whether you are 3 weeks postpartum or 5 years postpartum, you can still benefit from physical therapy. There is no such thing as too early or too late!

● Heal from perineal tears and c-section scarring

● Rebuild core strength, decrease abdominal wall separation (diastasis recti), and address abdominal muscle weakness

● Improve breathing, mindfulness and relaxation of your body

● Relieve joint pain, particular in the neck, mid and low back due to nursing and carrying postures

● Improve body mechanics to prevent pain and injuries later on

Learn more about Dr. Meilin Yang and her work at Lumina Pelvic Health