Pregnancy can be an amazing time for you and your body. For some, it comes with the wonder of growing a new being inside of your body, glowing skin, and a luxurious full head of hair.  For others, it can be movement-restricting, painful, and struggling with some incredible constipation. Between hormone variation and the progressive movements of your pelvis throughout pregnancy to accommodate this new bundle of joy, it can keep you guessing what may be coming next. Knowing the progression of events and how to keep your body moving optimally can assist with a positive pregnancy and delivery experience. You can see a physical therapist (PT) who specializes in pelvic health to help guide you through this process.

As a pelvic floor PT we help with:

• Optimizing function during pregnancy. Your postpartum recovery journey will be much easier when strength is maintained during pregnancy. As your body changes, you may need to modify your movements or exercises and we are here to help guide that process. Maintaining your strength and endurance during pregnancy can help with maintaining strength and stamina during delivery.

• Answering questions you didn’t even know you had. Are hemorrhoids normal? Can you help with those? (yes and yes!) 

• Helping to keep your bladder and bowels in check. No peeing in your pants for you! Urinary leakage is common during pregnancy and postpartum, but they do not have to be your normal!

• Maintaining proper bowel movements. If you poop well you will deliver vaginally well. The mechanics are similar. If you are struggling to have a bowel movement, this is definitely a reason to see a pelvic floor PT. 

• Training your body for delivery. Have you ever trained for an event or a race? Did you just show up on race day or the day off without training? NO! Same thing with delivery. Pregnancy is the training for delivery and how you want your body to perform. If you train well, you optimize the outcomes on delivery day! Birth prep can help to make sure you understand what to expect and the mechanics of your body to help with delivery.

Pregnancy can be an amazing and interesting adventure. If you are having any issues or want any further information, be sure to reach out to your friendly pelvic floor PT to assist!

Happy Birthing!!

Dr. Michelle

Dr. Michelle Koval PT, DPT, PRPC

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Owner/Therapist at Pillar Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy