Pregnancy and Post-Partum Management

Pregnancy is such a miraculous experience! However, the changes a woman’s body goes through are dramatic and can cause a number of possible dysfunctions. Most physicians don’t tell their pregnant patients that the delivery process (both vaginal delivery and cesearan sections) can be quite traumatic on women’s bodies! Our team of pelvic floor physical therapists is ready to help your body adjust through all the phases of this momentous experience.

What Causes Pregnancy Pain?

Many women who are pregnant may begin to experience different types of pain related to the changes in their body due to pregnancy. Some of these new symptoms are from the mechanical changes, due to increase in weight and subsequent changes in the distribution of how the weight is carried in the body. Other discomforts or pain may be due to hormonal changes. The increase in the amount of estrogen combined with the release of the hormone, relaxin, cause women’s bodies to be more susceptible to mechanical changes in the spine and sacroiliac joints as well as stretching of ligaments. This may cause pain in and around the low back area that can refer pain to other areas of the body.

Possible Side-Effects of Pregnancy

The mechanical and hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy can lead to a variety of discomfort, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, nerve compression syndromes, foot and ankle pain, abdominal pain and urinary problems.  During pregnancy and birth, any or all of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and rectum) can be affected. Some of the common complaints after the delivery are urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and painful scars which can lead to painful intercourse.

Pregnancy and Post-Partum Physical Therapy

Just because many women commonly deal with all types of pelvic floor dysfunctions after pregnancy and delivery does not make it normal! You deserve to return to your previous level of function and enjoy spending time with your children without worrying about your bladder or feeling pain or pressure in your pelvis.

Your pelvic floor physical therapist here at ITR Physical Therapy is trained to help each patient with any and all of the possible post partum complications. Your physical therapist at ITR will use a variety of manual therapy techniques to ensure joint alignment. She can then personalize exercise and lifestyle routines for you, to help you manage your child’s birthing process. Schedule your session today.