Prenatal FAQ
Why go to Physical Therapy during pregnancy?
Pregnancy affects every body differently. A thorough evaluation by a pelvic health specialist will identify areas of weakness that can lead to compensations, aches and pains that are completely avoidable during pregnancy. You do not have to “live with it” when it comes to pregnancy-related symptoms. And not all pregnancy aches and pains magically resolve after delivery. A PT who specializes in pelvic health will help you learn more about your unique body and prepare you appropriately for the “Olympic event” of delivery.
Birth Preparation: You will walk away with everything you need to know!
- Using your deep core
- Breathing appropriately for your stage of labor
- Actively lengthening your pelvic floor for the pushing phase
These are just a few important activities you will learn to master with a pelvic PT specialist!
Pro Tip: Bring your partner for a labor and delivery prep session at 34-Weeks to learn how to provide hands-on labor support!
How soon can I start PT post-partum?
You do not have to wait until after your 6 week OB post-partum visit to see a pelvic floor PT. Simple return to activity exercises including core and pelvic floor muscle activation, body mechanics for lifting/carrying/nursing your baby.
Diastasis recti checks are appropriate to begin as soon as your first week post-partum, or as soon as you feel ready to leave the house to come into an appointment. We have a safe, clean, private and quiet treatment space. Don’t have childcare? We love when you bring your baby into the clinic, don’t ever hesitate to do so!
I know I’m having a C-section delivery, should I still see a pelvic PT?
In a prenatal pelvic PT session, you will learn about postural adaptations that can occur after C-section. We teach you how to assess and mobilize your incision, safe ways to move with your infant after C-section, as well as timing for return to exercise after delivery. After delivery, scar assessment and supervised core activation is a must and again, you do not need to wait until after your post-partum OB visit to have this kind of evaluation performed.
I am pregnant with my second, can PT still help?
A good refresher labor and delivery prep session can be very helpful in reminding you and your partner of your birth plan and what you do and don’t want in the delivery room. Our bodies experience each pregnancy differently and there may be new areas of discomfort during pregnancy that can be alleviated by working with a pelvic PT.
After giving birth vaginally, the pelvic floor muscles may be weak or hold more tension than previously; a good assessment of your pelvic floor will help guide your PT in prescribing specific exercises to help you prepare for this new birth.
And if you’re considering a VBAC, pelvic floor PT is so important for preparing your tissues and avoiding large tears/prolapse.
Does PT help with round ligament pain?
Yes! There are specific ligament mobilizations that help reduce tension and alleviate round ligament symptoms. Your pelvic PT can also treat the other uterine ligaments that can become problematic as baby grows.
Can PT help close my diastasis recti?
It sure can! A thorough assessment of your abdominal separation is always a part of your PT evaluation whether you are pregnant or post-partum. Your PT will cover ways to manage diastasis during pregnancy especially if it is symptomatic.
Once you’ve delivered your baby, regular diastasis measurements will be taken as you learn to activate and strengthen your core at PT.
Click below to begin your prenatal Physical Therapy journey today!
Questions? Call or text us any time: 406.548.6266
CONTENT CREATED BY: Cheryl Tenpas, DPT and Allie Poalino, DPT
Lone Peak Physical Therapy – Bozeman
