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Writer's pictureTalia Gilmour

Prenatal Physical Therapy By Trimester

Updated: Apr 9


Physical Therapy plays a large role in the prenatal care of every pregnant woman. This includes women who have urinary incontinence, history of prolapse, tearing, orthopedic concerns, or no concerns at all!


Women who attend physical therapy in the prenatal period learn how to recruit their abdominal wall and pelvic floor to maintain core activation throughout the pregnancy.


Women also learn critical aspects of posture, shoulder mobility, and pelvic stability to help prevent adverse long-term outcomes postpartum, such as lasting abdominal separation, and pelvic organ prolapse.


You can see your physical therapist as soon as you find out you're pregnant! I recommend this for any mamma with concerns about core activation, lifting techniques, or back, hip or pelvic pain.


Dealing with these problems as early as possible will improve outcomes for the rest of the pregnancy.


Here is what we look at in the first trimester

  • Bladder and bowel health

  • Workout planning for pregnancy

  • Core breathing and core strengthening

  • Diastasis Recti Prevention

  • Lifting mechanics

  • Fixing stuff that's already there!

Here are some examples of great first trimester exercises:


Although we typically do not perform internal exams in the first trimester, the first trimester is a really critical time to get started on a strengthening program and to start fixing aches, pains, and pelvic floor issues that are already present.


Here's What We Look At In The Second Trimester

  • Continue strengthening the core system

  • Pelvic floor muscle exam

  • Address any pain that has arisen

  • Coaching for adequate sleep and stress management

Second Trimester Exercises






What We Look At In The Third Trimester

  • Practice pelvic floor relaxation techniques and pushing

  • Practice positions for labor and delivery

  • Strategies to achieve optimal positioning for baby during labor

  • Maintaining core strength

  • Addressing pelvic pain, shoulder issues, or any other concerns that arise

  • Coaching for developing a birth team and referrals for providers

  • Plan for early postpartum follow up

Labor Positions







Conclusion


Physical Therapy is an integral part of prenatal care. Not only can it fix issues like pee leaks, constipation, pelvic pain, and abdominal weakness during pregnancy, it can help prevent them as well.


We are also highly focused on assisting you through labor and delivery through education and techniques to help support optimal fetal positioning.


There is nothing like staying strong and active during your pregnancy, especially if you have other toddlers or children at home.


If you are pregnant and ready to take action on your pelvic health, make sure to book your session today!


If you don't live in Albuquerque, you can still get help. Make sure to check out my online Pelvic Health Coaching Program here!


Want to learn more about Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? Check out our blog on The Ultimate Guide to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy here!







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