Motherhood can be a time of great change, wonderful memories and bittersweet challenges. In this busy and constantly evolving time in their lives, women often push their own health needs to the bottom of the figurative to-do list. The Pelvic Floor, being hidden from plain view, is easily forgotten.
Which explains the numbers we see – in their 3rd trimester, 44% of first time mothers, and 85% of second (& subsequent) time mothers will experience urinary incontinence; with 44% continuing to experience it postpartum (Morkved et al 2003, Wilson et al 2002).
Prolapse – where your pelvic organs descend or drop from their original position – often goes hand in hand with incontinence. Rate of prolapse go up to 50% in postpartum women.
Diastasis Recti – a condition that is getting a lot of recent press coverage – where the physiological gap between your belly muscles doesn’t close or heal as it should is very common as well. Research shows that this condition, often referred to a “the mom belly”, is correlated to low back pain, urinary incontinence and that “falling out feeling” which may be a warning sign of prolapse. Studies also show that a Diastasis that is not significantly healed by 8 weeks postpartum, will continue to persist even 1 year after delivery (Mota et al 2014, Coldron et al 2008).
Considering these numbers, one would think that Pelvic Floor Therapy is the norm in women’s healthcare, especially during the birthing year. Unfortunately it is not, and it up to us, to pursue the preventative and restorative Pelvic Floor services we need.
When to seek out Pelvic Floor Therapy
Here are some pelvic floor red flags during pregnancy and postpartum-
~ urine leaking
~ pubic or groin pain
~ tailbone pain
~ sciatic pain & nerve pain down your leg
~ pain with intimacy
~ leaking with exercise or coughing & sneezing
~ constipation & hemorrhoids
You don’t have to suffer with these conditions since they can be easily improved with pelvic floor therapy. If you recognize these red flags, ask your pregnancy care provider for a referral to pelvic floor therapy!
It is the normal for physical therapy or occupational therapy to be prescribed for rehab care of a torn ligament or for joint pain. For the best outcomes for mothers, pelvic floor changes during Pregnancy & Postpartum should be treated the same way! Pregnant & postpartum mothers undergo massive changes to their postural alignment, pelvic muscle strength, and overall fitness & activity endurance, and should receive high-quality rehab care to improve their recovery.
Pelvic Soul Pelvic Therapy continues to be the best-rated Pelvic Floor Therapy practice in Tampa Bay, and can help you get on the right track with pregnancy wellness and postpartum recovery. Call (813) 563-1585 to claim your complimentary consult.
