Should all pregnant women receive physical therapy?
I am a big believer in preventative medicine. America as a healthcare system is very much reactive instead of proactive. We oftentimes wait until a disease or dysfunction occurs before we seek help from out healthcare professionals. But why not take action to prevent problems from occuring in the first place. Research has shown time and time again that preventative medicine is effective. When we take our health into our own hands and prioritize it we get the best results. This is why we choose to eat healthy, exercise, take vitamens/supplements all to prevent disease.
I believe this applies to pregnancy as well. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through a huge change. Her abdomen expands, ribs flare outward, back leans in, shoulders round and feet get swollen. How are we then expected to just live with it and hope we don’t feel any pain or discomfort. At the very least, most women know that something in their body will be different. They may be urinating more often, they may be suffering from pain or aches, it may be harder to get out of bed. And what do we often do about it to try and prevent it? Nothing!
This is just unacceptable. When women give birth our bones shifts, our ligaments relax, our muscles stretch and there is a lot of trauma to the pelvic area. This is sort of like a marathon. Imagine not training for the marathon and just running 26.2 miles?! You are asking for an injurt at that point. This is like having physical therapy while pregnant. We are preparing our body for the expansion and change up ahead. We are getting ready for the later weeks of pregnancy which can oftentimes be the most uncomfortable. And we are preparing for labor and delivery as well as the recovery thereafter.
Research has proven that women who have pelvic floor physical therapy while pregnant are less likely to tear vaginally and are more likely to have more comfortable painless pregnancies.
The benefits of physical therapy for the pregnant woman include:
1.Pain Management
Pregnancy can bring about a myriad of physical changes, such as weight gain, altered posture, and hormonal shifts, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Many women experience back pain, pelvic pain, and joint pain during pregnancy. Physical therapists are trained to assess and address these issues through a range of techniques, including manual therapy, exercises, and education. By working with a physical therapist, pregnant women can learn how to manage and reduce pain effectively. This not only improves their quality of life but also enhances their ability to stay active and engaged throughout their pregnancy.
2. Improved Posture and Balance
As a pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes significant changes, including the shifting of the center of gravity. This can lead to alterations in posture and balance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Physical therapists can help pregnant women improve their posture and balance through targeted exercises and guidance. These interventions are particularly important as they reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries that could harm both the mother and the developing baby.
3. Strengthening the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role during pregnancy and childbirth. These muscles support the uterus, bladder, and rectum, and they need to be in good shape for a smoother delivery and postpartum recovery. Physical therapists can teach women how to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles through exercises and proper breathing techniques. Strong pelvic floor muscles can also help prevent and treat issues like urinary incontinence, which is common during and after pregnancy.
4. Alleviating Swelling and Edema
Swelling and edema (fluid retention) are common side effects of pregnancy, especially in the lower extremities. Physical therapists can use various techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage and gentle exercises, to reduce swelling and improve circulation. By doing so, they help pregnant women feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of complications associated with excessive edema.
5. Preparing for Labor and Delivery
Physical therapists can also play a pivotal role in preparing expectant mothers for labor and delivery. They can guide women through exercises that enhance endurance, flexibility, and relaxation techniques. These exercises can help pregnant women stay calm during labor and potentially reduce the duration and intensity of the birthing process.
If you're expecting or planning to start a family, consider the benefits of incorporating physical therapy into your pregnancy journey. By doing so, you'll be taking proactive steps to ensure a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy, ultimately benefiting both you and your precious bundle of joy.
