During pregnancy the body undergoes several changes, than can often lead to pain, discomfort, and an inability to perform your usual hobbies and activities.
There are several reasons for this, but research has concluded that some of the biggest contributing factors to pain during pregnancy include:
- Hormonal changes
- particularly relaxin, which causes many joints and ligaments to loose their inherent stability)
- Loss of core stability during pregnancy.
- As the abdomen expands, the muscles loose their efficiency, resulting in abdominal weakness and poor control
- Postural changes
- As pregnancy progress, the lower backs tends to sag and arch backwards (lumbar lordosis), and the upper back tends to round forward, which can contribute to lower back pain
- Loss of pelvic floor control
- The pelvic floor sits at the base of the pelvis and is largely affected during pregnancy due to the weight of the baby.
- The pelvic floor can also become over stretched and dysfunctional, causing low back pain, pelvic organ prolapse, bladder leakage, SI joint pain, and hip pain.
During pregnancy, we can address:
Patient Story
Irene came to visit me after her midwife referred her for some help. Irene is on her 4th pregnancy, and over the years has developed pelvic organ prolapse. Irene expressed that she was concerned that her current pregnancy would make her prolapse even worse, and wanted to know what she could do to help. She was experiencing bladder leakage, heaviness in her pelvis, and discomfort with intimacy with her partner.
Irene was evaluated, informed of the findings, and given a home exercise program to strengthen her pelvic floor, and decrease the pressure on her pelvic organs. Within just ONE WEEK Irene reported no bladder leakage, no more heaviness, and an improved sex life.
Irene currently does not require any additional treatment sessions, and will check back in after the birth of her baby if she has any other concerns.
To speak with a provider, to learn more about how physical therapy can help you, please call us at 682-231-1607, and leave a voicemail. We will return your call promptly.
Feel free to reach out by email at: amanda@healthandhealingpt.com