By Lacey Steinbeisser, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Pregnancy is an incredible thing our bodies can do! During this time, your body changes significantly to help your baby grow and get ready to live outside your body. Giving birth is a big job for your body and can sometimes cause injuries. Your body has amazing ability to heal, but it takes time and sometimes guidance to fully recover. Many moms need help to handle some of the many problems that can happen during and after pregnancy.
Common issues that can occur during or after pregnancy are back pain, hip pain, rib pain, trouble holding in urine or stool, needing to go to the bathroom often, pelvic pain, painful sex, pressure in the pelvis, trouble going to the bathroom, or weakness in your belly muscles. Pelvic health physical therapy can help you with these problems during pregnancy and after birth so you can get back to your normal activities safely.
Pelvic health physical therapy is outpatient care that specializes in care for your back, hips, and pelvic area. These therapists obtain specialty training to assess and treat problems in the pelvis, including the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is the group of muscles at the bottom on the pelvis that help support your pelvis, back, and pelvic organs. Pelvic health PTs create a treatment plan just for you based on your symptoms and where you are in your pregnancy or recovery. Therapy treatment can include stretching, strengthening, learning how to use your muscles better, improving posture, education, learning better habits for emptying the bladder and bowels, and much more.
During pregnancy, staying active is easier said than done, but is very helpful to you and your baby. Exercise can also make it easier to recover after birth. It’s important to do safe activities and avoid high-risk ones like skiing, contact sports, or horseback riding. Walking, yoga, swimming, and light-medium weightlifting are great options.
Watch out for signs that you need to change or stop an activity, like pain, leaking urine or stool, feeling pressure or heaviness in the pelvis, or bleeding. If you have bleeding, call your doctor right away. Often, changing how you do an activity can help and allow you to still participate. For example, if jumping jacks hurt, stepping out instead of jumping might work better. The stronger you can stay during your pregnancy, the lower your risk of problems like back and pelvis pain, and helps your body prepare for recovery after pregnancy and for hauling around a baby and all their gear.
After your baby is born, returning to activity is encouraged but take it slow and listen to your body. Start with easier exercises like walking and gentle core workouts. Over time, you can add harder activities but wait about 12 weeks before running or jumping to allow your tissues to heal and reduce your risk of problems like pain or leaking.
If you’re having trouble with daily activities or exercise during or after pregnancy, pelvic health physical therapy can help you feel better and get back to doing what you love. Ask your doctor for a referral to get started on your healing journey!
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy at Sidney Health Center
Sidney Health Center Rehabilitation Services offers pelvic health physical therapy to help patients manage symptoms and educate them on ways to best support their bodies during pregnancy, prepare for delivery, and set them up for success postpartum. Lacey Steinbeisser, Doctor of Physical Therapy, has undergone extensive specialized training in treating many pelvic health conditions that arise during the pregnancy and postpartum period. She take the time to assess and tailor an individualized treatment plan, based on where women are in their pregnancy or postpartum journey, addressing their specific concerns safely and effectively.
To find out more about pelvic health therapy, visit our website at SidneyHealth.org or call 406.488.2166.