During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

When should I see a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist?

At any point during your pregnancy or postpartum period!

There is so much to learn about the changes that are occurring in your body during pregnancy and the postpartum period, therefore you may benefit from seeing a pelvic health therapist. Your PT can assist you with managing symptoms and educate you on ways to best support your body during pregnancy, prepare for delivery, and set you up for success postpartum.

Our pelvic health therapists have undergone extensive specialized training in treating many pelvic health conditions that arise during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Your PT will tailor your assessment and treatment to you, based on where you are at in your pregnancy or postpartum journey, to address your individual and specific concerns safely and effectively.

Common Conditions Treated

• Urinary and/or fecal incontinence (involuntary loss of urine or feces)
• Bladder or bowel urgency and frequency
• Pelvic pain (pubic symphysis, SI joint, and tailbone pain, vaginal/rectal)
• Constipation
• Painful intercourse
• Low back and hip pain
• Diastasis Recti (separation of abdominal muscles)
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Upper back, shoulder and neck pain

Prenatal Pelvic Health Therapy can help with:

• Muscle imbalances and postural alignment changes to accommodate your growing belly
• Joint and ligamentous changes that may contribute to pelvic and back pain, including SI joint and pubic symphysis pain
• Exercise prescription and modification to help you stay physically active throughout your pregnancy
• Labor preparation to provide education on positions and techniques to reduce risk of injury to pelvic floor, pelvis, and tailbone
• Bowel and bladder concerns
  

Postpartum Pelvic Health Therapy can help with:

• Muscle weakness of the abdominals and pelvic floor that can result in incontinence, pelvic pressure, or pain
• Pain and stiffness from new postural/functional demands including feeding, lifting, carrying, and holding a growing baby
• Management of diastasis recti
• Return to exercise, functional tasks, and recreational activities
• Scar management following caesarean or vaginal delivery
• Pelvic heaviness or bulging
• Persistent bowel and bladder concern

Do I need a referral?

Some insurance companies require a referral while others do not. It is preferred and recommended that you have a provider managing your overall health care.