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How Physical Therapy Can Help During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings about significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes in a woman’s body. While these changes are a natural part of preparing for childbirth, they can also lead to discomfort and health issues that impact a woman’s quality of life. Physical therapy, particularly specialized prenatal physical therapy and pelvic floor therapy, can play a crucial role in alleviating these challenges, promoting a healthy pregnancy, and preparing the body for labor and delivery.
Understanding the Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes several changes to accommodate the growing baby. These include:

The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy during pregnancy is tailored to address these specific changes and promote overall well-being. Here are some ways in which physical therapy can help:

Addressing Pelvic Floor Health
The pelvic floor plays a crucial role during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. Proper functioning of the pelvic floor muscles is essential for supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Pregnancy can put a lot of strain on these muscles, leading to potential issues such as:

Physical therapists can offer various exercises and techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve their coordination, and reduce the risk of these issues. This may include:

When to Start Physical Therapy
It’s never too early to start physical therapy during pregnancy. Ideally, women should begin as soon as they learn they are pregnant to establish a foundation of strength and flexibility that will support them throughout the pregnancy. However, physical therapy can be beneficial at any stage of pregnancy, even if it’s later in the journey.
Conclusion
Physical therapy offers a holistic approach to managing the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy. By addressing pain, improving posture, strengthening muscles, and preparing for labor, physical therapy can help expectant mothers experience a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and experiencing discomfort, or simply want to ensure a smooth pregnancy journey, consider consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist who specializes in prenatal care. Your body will thank you for it!
Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

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