Why “Prehab” is Essential During Pregnancy: A Pelvic Floor PT’s Perspective
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, full of excitement, anticipation, and change. However, it can also be a time of vulnerability for a woman's body. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I have made it my mission to support women through this transformative period by focusing on “prehab”—preparing the body before the baby arrives.
My journey in treating pregnant patients began in an orthopedic outpatient clinic, where I quickly became the go-to therapist for anyone expecting, regardless of the injury. At that time, I had completed foundational courses in pelvic health, but like many, my training had focused on postpartum rehabilitation or issues common in older adults, such as bladder and bowel dysfunction. There wasn’t much emphasis on caring for pregnant patients.
As I gained experience, I noticed something crucial: the issues faced by pregnant patients were not all that different from those encountered by other pelvic health patients. They experienced similar bladder, bowel, and pain dysfunctions. This realization motivated me to focus more on prehab during pregnancy.
The Importance of Prehab
I’ve had countless postpartum patients—whether two weeks or two years after giving birth—tell me, “I had these issues during my pregnancy, but I thought I had to wait until after the baby was born to see you.” This is a common misconception, and it’s one I’m passionate about changing.
Pregnancy is a unique time when your body undergoes daily changes that are often beyond your control. However, you don’t have to wait until after delivery to address these changes. By incorporating pelvic floor therapy into your prenatal care, you can prepare your body, reduce the likelihood of unwanted postpartum symptoms, and improve your overall pregnancy experience.
Prehab vs. Postpartum Recovery
From my clinical experience working with thousands of pregnant women, I’ve observed a significant difference in postpartum recovery between those who engaged in pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy and those who did not.
For example, patients I haven’t seen during pregnancy typically require 4 to 12 postpartum sessions to address their issues. In contrast, those who engaged in prehab during pregnancy often need only 2 to 6 sessions postpartum. Why? Because they’ve already learned the basics of pelvic health, have an individualized care plan, and have prepared their bodies to handle the demands of childbirth.
Collaboration Is Key
In an ideal world, all healthcare providers involved in prenatal care—doctors, chiropractors, doulas, and others—would emphasize the importance of pelvic floor rehab. We should all be working together as a team to support both the patient and the baby.
I like to think of the relationship between a pelvic floor PT and a midwife or OBGYN as similar to that between a math teacher and a school principal. The principal oversees the school’s overall well-being but isn’t necessarily equipped to teach a specialized subject like math. Similarly, the midwife or OBGYN is the “principal” during pregnancy, overseeing the patient's general health, while the pelvic floor PT is the “teacher” specialized in musculoskeletal health. Together, they can provide comprehensive care for the best pre and postnatal outcomes.
Preparing for the Big Day
Delivering a baby is a significant event, one that changes your life and your body. Pelvic floor physical therapists play a crucial role in preparing your body for childbirth. By seeing a pelvic floor PT during pregnancy, you’ll receive guidance on bladder and bowel health, safe exercise progression, posture, positioning, breath work, and more.
Given how rapidly your body changes during pregnancy, regular assessments are essential to ensure you’re doing everything possible to protect both your body and your baby.
Making Pelvic Floor PT the Norm
My hope is that this message resonates with anyone reading it. Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy should be the norm, not the exception. The benefits are clear, and I’ve witnessed them firsthand time and time again.
Let’s work together to ensure every woman has the support she needs during this incredible journey called pregnancy.
Childbirth Prep Resource
If you’re looking for childbirth preparation support, my colleague Dr. Erica has an online birth prep course. This course includes recorded Zoom calls, four weeks of exercises to prepare for labor, and expert interviews on topics like breastfeeding, mental health, C-sections, and vaginal delivery. For more information, visit Empower Your Pelvis.
By preparing for childbirth, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother and more empowered birthing experience. Don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps to ensure you’re ready for the marathon of labor and delivery!
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If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.
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With wellness in your pelvis-
Amanda Fisher
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor therapist in Kansas City (Overland Park, KS and Lees Summit, MO)
Video of pelvic floor mobility