about Pregnancy & Postpartum PT
PREPARE FOR AND RECOVER FROM CHILDBIRTH
The body goes through a variety of hormonal, biomechanical and postural changes during the intrapartum and postpartum periods. These changes can result in neck pain, back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), and pelvic floor dysfunction (including incontinence, bowel dysfunction, prolapse and pelvic pain), all of which can be managed by working with a physical therapist.
Scientific literature that suggests that evaluation of the pelvic girdle and pelvic floor muscles by a pelvic health physical therapist during pregnancy can improve birthing outcomes to improve ease of delivery and prevent tearing. Furthermore, it is beneficial to receive an evaluation of your pelvic floor and abdominal muscle in the postpartum period. Postpartum physical therapy is particularly beneficial following prolonged labor, perineal tearing, episiotomy, delivery with instrumentation, Cesarean delivery, or other birth injury.
Every body is unique, and therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is simply not appropriate for managing back pain, pelvic girdle pain, diastasis recti, prolapse and incontinence. Receiving individualized care from a pelvic health physical therapist throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period is instrumental in staying healthy and active.