Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: The key to a smooth pregnancy and labor

As an expectant mother, ensuring your body is well-prepared for the upcoming labor and delivery is essential for a positive birthing experience. This is where pelvic floor physiotherapy comes into play. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy and how it can assist in the labor process.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a supportive sling at the base of the pelvis, supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the increased weight of the growing baby can put additional strain on these muscles, leading to various issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and even prolapse.

Prenatal Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

1. Alleviates Discomfort: As the baby grows, the increased pressure on the pelvic floor can lead to pain and discomfort. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help release tension and provide techniques to ease discomfort, ensuring a more enjoyable pregnancy.
2. Prevents Incontinence: Pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to bladder or bowel incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises and physiotherapy can significantly reduce the risk of these issues by strengthening the muscles responsible for controlling urinary and fecal function.
3. Promotes Optimal Baby Positioning: Proper alignment of the pelvis is crucial for the baby's positioning in the womb. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help ensure the pelvis is balanced and provide exercises that encourage the baby to adopt the optimal position for labor and delivery.
4. Prepares for Labor: As the due date approaches, preparing the pelvic floor for labor becomes vital. A trained physiotherapist can teach relaxation and breathing techniques, helping you become more attuned to your body during contractions and easing the birthing process.
5. Reduces Risk of Tears and Episiotomies: By strengthening and stretching the pelvic floor muscles, the risk of tears during delivery can be reduced. Additionally, improved muscle tone may lower the likelihood of an episiotomy, a surgical cut made during childbirth.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy during Labor

1. Enhanced Pelvic Floor Control: One of the most crucial aspects of pelvic floor physiotherapy during labor is learning how to engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles effectively. This control aids in managing contractions and prevents unnecessary tension in the pelvic region.
2. Reduced Labor Pain: Through deep breathing and relaxation techniques taught during physiotherapy, labor pain can be managed more effectively. Women can feel more in control and empowered during this intense process.
3. Facilitates Progression of Labor: An unrestricted and well-conditioned pelvic floor can facilitate the progression of labor. The ability to relax and open up during contractions allows for smoother and more efficient labor.
4.  Minimizes Risk of Injury: By encouraging proper positioning and pelvic alignment during labor, pelvic floor physiotherapy reduces the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby.
5. Speeds Up Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, the pelvic floor physiotherapy continues to be beneficial. Strengthening exercises can expedite postpartum recovery, promoting healing and restoring pelvic floor function.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at the Nepean Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy Centre

As an expectant mother, taking care of your pelvic floor health through physiotherapy can make a significant difference in your prenatal experience and labor journey. Our pelvic floor physiotherapist, Caroline Landon, can work with you to pave the way for a smooth and positive pregnancy and labor.