Did you know that one in three women has bladder leaking throughout pregnancy? Urinary incontinence, in fact, is the most prevalent pregnancy complication. Bladder leakage may have a significant impact on your quality of life and make ordinary activities like going to work or caring for your kid impossible.
During pregnancy, pelvic floor physiotherapy may assist reduce or eliminate bladder leaks. We’ll discuss why pelvic floor physiotherapy is necessary for pregnant women in this post.
We’ll go through the most common symptoms of pelvic instability, as well as how to treat them. Finally, what are the causes of pelvic dysfunction?
Introduction To Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
The assessment and treatment of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues in the pelvis with pelvic floor physiotherapy is known as pelvic floor physiotherapy. The pelvic floor is a hammock-like collection of muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
The goal of pelvic floor physiotherapy is to increase the efficiency of the pelvic floor muscles and decrease urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
What Are The Benefits Of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy For Pregnant Women?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be beneficial for pregnant women because it can help to:
- Relieve pain in the lower back, pelvis, and hips
- Relax the pelvic floor muscles
- Reduce the risk of incontinence
- Prevent or treat pelvic organ prolapse
How Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help Pregnant Women?
During pregnancy, the weight of the developing baby puts strain on your pelvic floor muscles. This can cause bladder leakage during pregnancy by weakening the muscles.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy may assist in the strengthening of pelvic floor muscles and their function. This can aid in the reduction or elimination of bladder leakage throughout pregnancy.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also help with lower back discomfort, as well as pelvic and hip pains. The pelvic floor muscles support the spine and hips, so this is why it’s beneficial. Pain in these regions might be caused by underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also aid in the prevention and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. This is when the organs in the pelvis, such as the uterus, fall from their normal position and into the vagina. Pregnancy and childbirth are both associated with an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you feel more confident in your own skin and improve bladder control. Strengthening the muscles surrounding your bladder and urethra can help you avoid or cure urinary leakage. This therapy is both beneficial and secure for pregnant women, who may use it at home without anyone knowing. Many women report benefits from pelvic floor physiotherapy.
What Are The Different Symptoms Of Pelvic Dysfunction?
There are a variety of different symptoms that can be associated with pelvic dysfunction. These symptoms can include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Constipation
- Rectal
What Causes Pelvic Dysfunction?
Pelvic dysfunction can result from a variety of causes. These factors, among others, include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Hysterectomy
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Lifting heavy objects
How Is Pelvic Dysfunction Treated?
We strongly advise you to visit a pelvic floor physiotherapist if you are suffering from pelvic dysfunction. They will be able to examine your particular circumstance and develop a treatment strategy that is suited to your demands based on the situation.
A pelvic floor examination can be internal or external. Oftentimes, it’s both. After the examination, it is likely the therapist will show you a few exercises to do at home. For example:
- Kegel exercises: These help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Pelvic tilts: These help to stretch and release tight muscles in the pelvis.
- Bridge: This helps to strengthen the muscles in the lower back and buttocks.
It’s crucial to remember that each individual is unique, and that not all exercises will appeal to everyone. It’s critical to discover an exercise routine that works for you and which you can keep up with.
If pelvic floor physiotherapy is not helping or if your symptoms are severe, you may need to see a doctor for further treatment. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Pelvic Health Is A Must
Pelvic health is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of a woman’s overall health. If you are experiencing any symptoms of pelvic dysfunction, we highly recommend that you seek out the help of a pelvic floor physiotherapist. They will be able to assess your individual situation and create a treatment plan that is specific to your needs.
Pillars of Wellness, A Burlington physiotherapy clinic that specializes in pelvic health provide excellent care for pregnant women. Feel free to contact them if you have any questions.
