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Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy: Prepare for Labor and Delivery

Writer's picture: Sabrina ThorpeSabrina Thorpe

If you're pregnant and anything like me, you've probably been researching the endless options for car seats, cribs, high chairs, bottles, and on and on... There's so much to know. Hopefully it's also crossed your mind that you might want to prepare your body for labor and delivery too! While prenatal yoga, childbirth classes, and proper nutrition are all beneficial, many expecting moms overlook an important aspect of preparation—pelvic floor physical therapy. Let’s explore how pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy can help you feel more prepared, stronger, and confident when it's time to give birth.


What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on strengthening and improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy, these muscles bear extra weight and undergo significant changes, which can sometimes lead to discomfort, pain, or even issues like incontinence.


A pelvic floor therapist works with you to evaluate the health of your pelvic muscles and creates a customized plan to address any imbalances, tension, or weakness that may affect your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.


How Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy Prepares You for Labor and Delivery

  1. Strengthens and Balances Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

    Strong, balanced pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in supporting your growing baby and reducing discomfort. Pelvic floor therapy helps ensure your muscles are well-prepared to handle the weight of pregnancy and the demands of labor. It can also aid in preventing or reducing common pregnancy symptoms like pelvic pain, back pain, and bladder leakage.


  2. Teaches You How to Relax and Release Tension

    Many women unknowingly carry tension in their pelvic floor muscles, which can make labor more difficult and increase the chances of tearing during delivery. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on teaching you how to relax your pelvic floor, which is crucial during the pushing phase of labor. Knowing how to control and release these muscles can help your baby move through the birth canal more smoothly.


  3. Improves Pushing Techniques

    Proper pushing requires coordination between your pelvic floor muscles and your core. During therapy, you’ll learn how to engage and relax your muscles effectively to improve your pushing efforts during delivery. This can reduce the likelihood of complications and help you avoid excessive strain during labor.


  4. Reduces the Risk of Perineal Tearing

    One of the most common fears women have about childbirth is perineal tearing. Pelvic floor therapy helps increase the flexibility and elasticity of your pelvic muscles, lowering the risk of tearing during delivery. Your therapist will teach you techniques to gently stretch and relax these muscles, preparing them for the intensity of labor.


  5. Supports a Faster Recovery Postpartum

    A strong and well-functioning pelvic floor not only helps you during labor, but also aids in faster recovery after delivery. Women who work with a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy tend to experience fewer postpartum issues such as incontinence, prolapse, or ongoing pelvic pain.


Why Early Intervention Matters

Starting pelvic floor therapy early in your pregnancy gives you ample time to address any muscle imbalances or tightness. It also allows your therapist to have an idea of what is 'normal' for your pelvic floor so issues are more easily spotted early. This proactive approach allows you to build the strength and awareness you’ll need to handle labor confidently, and it can help prevent common postpartum issues that arise from weakened or overstressed pelvic muscles.


How Our Pelvic Floor Therapy Services Can Help

At our Waukesha-based practice, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy tailored to the needs of pregnant women. Here, your will guide you through exercises and relaxation techniques to keep your pelvic floor in good shape and prepare you for the demands of labor and delivery.



pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy


 

Ready to prepare your body for labor and delivery? 

Contact us today to schedule your first session and discover how pelvic floor therapy can help you have a smoother, more empowered birth experience.

 

This post highlights how pelvic floor therapy can be a key part of your birth preparation, but always seek personalized advice from a professional.

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