1. Pain during pregnancy is common but NOT normal and can be managed with the right treatment plan and guidance. These common complaints are typically a result of muscle weakness and/or imbalance, changes in posture, shift of center of gravity, and joint laxity from changes in hormones.
· Common pregnancy complaints:
· Shooting pain in the back/leg when rolling over in bed, lifting your leg to put on pants, and/or getting in and out of a car
· Pain getting up and down from a chair
· “Sciatica”
· Sharp pain in the pubic bone or vaginal area (aka “lightening crotch)
· Leaking with sneezing, coughing, bending, and/or exercise
2. Prehab your core and pelvic floor muscles! For 9 months your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles are continually on stretch and in a weakened state. Physical therapy can help you learn how to strengthen these muscles safely to support spine and pelvis, reduce the risk of a diastasis recti (abdominal wall separation), reduce the risk of incontinence, and reduce pain.
3. Learn how to exercise safely during pregnancy. Just because you are pregnant does not mean you can’t exercise or must stop exercising. Physical therapy can teach you how to modify your current exercise routine or help guide you on how to start a safe exercise routine.
**Book your free consultation to see if the pregnancy wellness package is right for you!**
4. Improve constipation symptoms. Constipation during pregnancy typically occurs because of changes in hormone levels that can slow the gut system. Additionally, a low fiber diet, decreased physical activity, and poor hydration can contribute to constipation. Physical therapy can help guide you on ways to improve your bowel health as well as educate in proper toilet posture and breathing techniques to make your bowel movements more enjoyable! In other words, learn how to poop like a man!
5. Prepare your mind and body for labor and delivery. As you near the end of your pregnancy you will want to shift your mindset to preparing your body for delivery. Whether you are envisioning a vaginal birth, C-section, or VBAC, there are strategies you can put in place to make sure it goes well. For a vaginal birth or a VBAC it is important to learn how to relax your pelvic floor muscles, instead of strengthening them, to prepare for pushing a baby out. You can also learn different positions that promote pelvis opening during active labor and delivery. For a scheduled C-section (or nonscheduled) learn how to make the experience more interactive and less scary. You can also prepare your partner in how to better support your during your labor and delivery.
تعليقات