Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

Introduction

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for women, bringing about various physical changes. Among these changes, the pelvic floor undergoes significant stress and strain. Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy has emerged as a beneficial practice to address and manage associated issues.

In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of female pelvic floor anatomy, the role of pelvic floor physical therapy, its safety during pregnancy, and the array of benefits it offers.

Understanding the Female Pelvic Floor

As we explore the intricacies of the female pelvic floor, delving into its anatomy and the specific changes it undergoes during pregnancy becomes crucial.

Let's take a closer look at the remarkable architecture of this region and understand its dynamics in the context of pregnancy.

Female Pelvic Floor Anatomy

The pelvic floor, comprising intricate muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues, provides crucial support to vital pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, rectum, and pubic bone. Its interaction with the abdominal muscles further enhances its role in maintaining pelvic stability and organ function. Appreciating its anatomy is vital to understand the effects of pregnancy, including vaginal birth, caesarian birth, abdominal separation, and the phases of labor, on this intricate region.

Female Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places unique demands on the pelvic floor due to the growing uterus, hormonal changes, and increased pressure on the abdominal region. These factors contribute to various challenges, making pelvic floor health a crucial consideration during this period.

Sixty percent of pregnant women faced pelvic floor disorders, with heightened bladder and prolapse symptoms in the third trimester. Sexual dysfunction persisted throughout pregnancy, impacting overall quality of life and self-esteem.

What Exactly Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a distinct type of physical therapy crafted to address concerns associated with the pelvic floor. During pregnancy, this therapy aims to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall function in the pelvic region. It involves targeted exercises and techniques to address specific concerns.

Pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy significantly increases muscle pressure and strength. Participating in pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy has been demonstrated to reduce postpartum complications in women. The study also found a positive correlation between functional pelvic floor muscle evaluation and perineometry.

Is Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy Really Safe?

A study found that 40.5% of pregnant women experience back pain, signifying a significant and high prevalence. These results can serve as crucial criteria for effective prevention and treatment planning.

Ensuring safety is of utmost importance for pregnant women. Fortunately, pelvic floor therapy pregnancy is generally safe when conducted by a qualified and experienced therapist. However, specific considerations and cautions should be observed to ensure a safe and effective experience.

Considerations and Cautions

Embarking on pelvic floor therapy while pregnant warrants careful consideration. Seek guidance from your trusted healthcare provider to address factors such as the pregnancy stage, existing medical conditions, and your personal health history, particularly if you have concerns related to pelvic floor dysfunctions, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual function, pelvic muscles, perineal tears, or body mechanics. These personalized considerations ensure a safe and effective approach tailored to your unique circumstances.

Choosing the Right Pelvic Floor Therapist

Selecting a qualified and experienced pelvic floor therapist is crucial for a successful therapy journey. Here's what to look out for when seeking pelvic floor physiotherapy:

Qualifications: Confirm that the therapist has the necessary qualifications and certifications in pelvic floor rehabilitation, specifically with expertise in internal assessment, to ensure a comprehensive and successful pregnancy.

Experience: Look for a pelvic physiotherapist with significant expertise in addressing pregnancy-related pelvic floor issues, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the unique challenges during this period.

Reputation: Research the pelvic physiotherapist's reputation, including legitimate feedback and testimonials, to gauge the quality of their services and patient satisfaction, ensuring you choose experienced and reliable physical therapists

Patient-Centered Approach: Select a pelvic physiotherapist who adopts a patient-centered approach, tailoring the pelvic floor treatment to your individual needs and maintaining open communication throughout the therapy journey.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy

Unlocking the numerous advantages that pelvic floor therapy brings to expectant mothers, we'll now delve into specific areas where it makes a significant impact, including managing common pregnancy-related issues and promoting overall well-being, particularly in enhancing pelvic floor strength.

Let's explore how this specialized therapy can be a game-changer during this transformative period.

Manage Common Pregnancy-Related Issues:

Navigating the spectrum of common pregnancy-related challenges, pelvic floor therapy proves invaluable.

Let's break down how it effectively addresses specific concerns such as urinary incontinence, postural pain, back pain, hip pain, and pelvic pain in more detail.

Urinary Incontinence

Pelvic floor therapy can effectively address disruptive symptoms, such as bladder incontinence, by targeting the muscles responsible for bladder control and promoting better urinary function while enhancing overall pelvic muscle strength. This is particularly beneficial for postpartum recovery, addressing issues women may face months after birth.

Postural Pain

As the body adjusts to the growing baby bump, postural pain is common. Pelvic floor therapy aids in improving overall posture, significantly reducing strain on the lower back and pelvis, and strengthening core muscles. These benefits extend beyond pregnancy, assisting in postpartum recovery, even months after birth.

Back Pain, Hip Pain, and Pelvic Pain

The therapy contributes to a healthy physical state by alleviating common discomforts, including pain during pregnancy, post-vaginal delivery, pain during cesarean (c-section), and pain during sex. It achieves this by targeting muscles, promoting better alignment, and addressing issues related to pelvic bones.

Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles

Pelvic floor exercises enhance core strength, reducing the risk of complications during childbirth and aiding in postpartum recovery while also benefiting the strength of the vaginal walls to help prevent future incontinence.

Improve Sleep

Better pain management and relaxation through pelvic floor therapy contribute to improved sleep quality during pregnancy, supporting a smoother recovery after childbirth in the later weeks of pregnancy.

Maintain Proper Posture

Enhanced posture not only reduces discomfort but also supports optimal positioning for the baby, contributing to improved health physical during pregnancy and facilitating a smoother postpartum period.

What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Therapy Sessions

Pelvic floor therapy sessions typically involve a personalized assessment, education on exercises, and ongoing support, addressing individual needs and concerns to promote a healthier body during pregnancy and mitigate potential issues during pregnancy.

This can contribute to more optimal outcomes during the stages of labor. If you're wondering, 'Can you do pelvic floor therapy while pregnant?'—yes, it is generally safe and beneficial, but consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

When to Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Consider pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy if you experience issues such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or discomfort in the back and hips, especially if you're dealing with pediatric pelvic concerns. It's highly advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before starting therapy.

For expert guidance and personalized care, reach out to Pillar Physiotherapy. Your journey to a healthier pelvic floor begins here. Contact us today for a consultation.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy offers a holistic approach to address the unique challenges faced by women during this transformative period. When undertaken with proper guidance and precautions, it can significantly contribute to improved well-being and quality of life for expectant mothers.

FAQs

Q1: Can you do pelvic therapy while pregnant?

Yes, pelvic floor therapy is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy when expertly performed by a qualified therapist. However, consult with your licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

Q2: Why is pelvic floor important for pregnancy?

The pelvic floor provides crucial support to pelvic organs, and its health is vital for managing common issues like incontinence, back pain, and pelvic discomfort during pregnancy.

Q3: How do I know if my pelvic floor is weak during pregnancy?

Symptoms of a weak pelvic floor may include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and discomfort in the back and hips. If you experience these issues, consider consulting a pelvic floor therapist for assessment and guidance.