PREGNANCY

PREGNANCY TREATMENT

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many changes occur to a woman’s body. These changes include postural changes due to the space taken up by the growing baby in the uterus, pelvic widening, and increased ligamentous laxity. At times these changes can result in pain or dysfunction.

A physical therapist specializing in womens health and pelvic floor dysfunction is uniquely positioned to help manage pregnancy related concerns. Physical therapy during pregnancy can include treatment of any pain that arises including pain in the low back, mid back, pelvis, SI joint; treatment for incontinence, education on pelvic floor friendly pushing strategies and positioning for labor, and education on strategies for recovery in the immediate post partum period.

Diastasis Rectus Abdominus

DRA is a separation of the two side of the rectus abdominis muscle at the linea alba. Every pregnant woman experiences DRA during the third trimester of pregnancy; this is a natural adaptation of our body to allow for the growing uterus and baby. For many women, the diastasis resolves on its own after delivery but for others it persists. A persistent diastasis is linked to low back pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic girdle dysfunction.

Risk factors for diastasis include age greater than 33 years, multiple pregnancies, large baby, and cesarian birth, but it is not specific to those who have been pregnant.

Diastasis can also occur in the presence of chronic cough, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, and obesity. While the internet may lead one to believe that there are exercises one should avoid in the presence of DRA, the truth is that most all exercises can be performed safely under the guidance of a skilled physical therapist who specializes in this area.