The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and reading this article, you have probably noticed several changes in your body, including in your “belly,” back, or hips. This area is called the pelvic floor and contains the muscles that facilitate sexual function and support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. The pelvic floor experiences significant changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and afterward. You may already be familiar with some of these changes such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, bowel issues, and pelvic organ prolapse, or perhaps you are worried they will plague you later during pregnancy or after you give birth. Either way, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help. Keep reading this article by Back in Motion Health to discover the benefits of pelvic floor physio during pregnancy.  

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of treatment that focuses on the rehabilitation and maintenance of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles include:

• Levator Ani Complex, which are located from the pubic bone to the coccyx, around the rectum, and from the pelvic bone to the sacrum.
• Deep Pelvic Floor Muscles, which compress the urethra and wrap around it and the vagina.
• Other Pelvic Floor Muscles that stabilize the perineum, help maintain sexual arousal, assist with sexual functioning, and control bowel movements. 

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is offered by a physiotherapist who is specially trained to assess and treat these areas in a personalized fashion. It involves various techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, and education about issues related to pelvic floor function and dysfunction.

Why Seek Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy During Pregnancy?

Because the pelvic floor and entire pelvis undergoes such important and quick changes during and after pregnancy, it is important to be mindful of your pelvic health. By seeking pelvic floor physiotherapy during your pregnancy, you will make great strides towards:

• maintaining your pelvic health

Pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy can help alleviate the increased pressure on your pelvis and thereby lessen lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and pubic symphysis dysfunction, which can contribute to incontinence pelvic organ prolapses, and more.

• preparing for childbirth

Through pelvic floor physiotherapy you can enhance the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles, which can be very helpful during birth. Furthermore, pelvic floor physiotherapy can equip you with breathing techniques and postures to help you through labour.

• recovering post-partum

Starting pelvic floor physiotherapy before childbirth provides you with a strong foundation that can help you birth well, avoid complications afterward, and effectively recover from your birthing experience. 

Find Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in the Lower Mainland

Whether you have already noticed issues with your pelvic floor during your pregnancy or simply want to be proactive with your pelvic floor health, contact Back in Motion Health in the Lower Mainland and Ontario. We have a team of experienced and dedicated pelvic physiotherapists eager to help you prepare for childbirth and beyond. Book your appointment today at one of our clinics in Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey-Newton, Vancouver, and London, ON.

Paramjot Dhillon obtained Master in Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) from Punjabi University, India in 2009. She has over 11 years of experience in clinical settings and teaching.

Paramjot has worked as an Associate Professor in Christian Medical College and Hospital, India. She has 9 research articles published in the reputed journals.

Book online with Paramjot in Coquitlam.