Preparing for Childbirth with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Incredible mothers-to-be deserve to feel empowered during pregnancy and feel prepared for childbirth. You may be feeling overwhelmed, and that's understandable. Your journey throughout pregnancy deserves to be tailored to you and your goals. You may be thinking "well, shouldn't I just do kegels to prepare?" Short answer? No!

Many people will seek out pelvic floor physical therapy during the postpartum phase, but did you know that pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy can be a crucial component to your overall birth experience?

Prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy addresses the many changes that the body goes through during pregnancy. The pelvic floor physical therapists at Renew Health can help mitigate common symptoms during pregnancy: pubic bone pain, tailbone pain, back pain, pelvic heaviness, urinary incontinence, and constipation. We offer education related to hormonal influences, postural alignment, and labor preparation and positioning.

Evidence suggests that optimal pelvic positioning during labor can positively influence the progression of labor. The docs at Renew Health prioritize pelvic floor coordination, perineal stretching, and push preparation. Did you know that most women do not know how to adequately push? It's because no one teaches us!

Understanding the Pelvic Anatomy: Inlet, Mid Pelvis, and Outlet

The pelvis is divided into three main sections: the pelvic inlet, the mid pelvis, and the pelvic outlet. Each plays a critical role during different stages of labor.

Pelvic Inlet

The pelvic inlet is the upper opening of the pelvis. During the early stages of labor, the baby moves down into this space. The shape and size of the pelvic inlet can impact how easily the baby can descend.

Mid Pelvis

The mid pelvis, or the true pelvis, is the middle part of the pelvic cavity. As labor progresses, the baby moves through this section. This is where rotation of the baby may occur.

Pelvic Outlet

The pelvic outlet is the lower opening of the pelvis, through which the baby is ultimately born. In the final stages of labor, the baby's head moves through the pelvic outlet.

Childbirth is a natural process that can be made less daunting and more empowering with the right preparation. Renew Health offers a comprehensive approach to prepare the pelvis for labor, reduce the risk of complications, and enhance overall birthing experience. By understanding the anatomy of the pelvis, engaging in targeted exercises, and utilizing manual techniques, expectant mothers can navigate labor with greater ease and confidence.

If you're preparing for childbirth, we would love the opportunity to work with you. To learn more, schedule a phone call with a member of our team. 

The Renew Health Team