Pregnancy Physical Therapy can address and treat a variety of conditions including:
Diastasis Recti (DR)
What does it look like? Doming or coning at, above, or below your belly button?
Who gets it? All pregnant women get some degree of DR during pregnancy to accommodate a
growing baby in the abdomen. However, low backpain, urinary leakage, and pelvic pain is a
symptom of DR that means you should seek treatment.
Low Back Pain/Pelvic Pain
What might this look like? Dull, aching, or sharp pain in your lumbar spine. Low Back pain could also be caused by sciatica which is compression of the nerve which runs into your leg. Numbness and tingling could result from sciatica. Pelvic pain can also include feeling pressure or heaviness in the vaginal canal. Neither of these symptoms are “normal” in pregnancy, but unfortunately many expectant mothers just deal with them since it’s typical.
Reduce Risk of Tearing
Learn exercises, behaviors, and a home program to help reduce tearing during labor and delivery. 90% of first-time moms have some degree of tearing during childbirth. However, most moms do not receive prenatal PT services. Perineal stretching can be performed during sessions and taught to you to help reduce tearing. Working on your pelvic floor muscle mobility and down training muscles to allow for your pelvic floor to “get out of the way” for baby to exit!
Round Ligament Pain
What causes it? Stretching and enlargement of the uterus
Symptoms? A sharp, stabbing pain at lower abdomen or groin area
How can PT help?
Education on Body Mechanics: Physical therapists educate patients on proper body mechanics and posture. By learning how to move safely and effectively, individuals can reduce strain on the round ligaments and associated muscles.
Stretching Exercises: Targeted stretching exercises can relieve tension in the pelvic and abdominal regions. A physical therapist can teach specific stretches that alleviate discomfort while promoting flexibility.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the core and pelvic floor muscles can provide better support for the uterus and improve overall stability. A personalized exercise program created by a physical therapist can focus on these areas.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization can help reduce tension and promote relaxation in the surrounding muscles. This hands-on approach may relieve the discomfort associated with round ligament pain.
Pain Management Techniques: Physical therapists can introduce various pain management techniques, including heat/cold therapy and relaxation exercises, to help manage symptoms effectively.
Postural Re-education: Improving postural alignment can help reduce stress on ligaments and muscles. A physical therapist can assess and guide individuals in achieving a more balanced posture.
Birth Prep
Maintaining good overall health and wellness during pregnancy is key in preparing for birth. I want to help you be the most successful with your birth plan. My aim is for you to have a fearless birth and feel confident that your body can handle your plan A, B or C birth!
Postpartum Recovery
If you don’t have awareness of your core and pelvic floor during pregnancy, it will only be harder to strengthen and reconnect to these muscles following delivery. We will focus on improving your pelvic floor stability to help prevent pelvic organ prolapse and bowel/bladder incontinence.
