Pregnancy & Postpartum

BEING PROACTIVE IS KEY

Patient Story

MUM OF 2, RESOLVED PROLAPSE WITH BOTH PREGNANCIES

“After the birth of my son, I developed bladder prolapse. That’s when I discovered pelvic floor physiotherapy. In addition to a hands-on treatment, Anniken taught me how and when to effectively do Kegel exercises, and how to correct my posture and alignment, which had a big impact on my recovery. Everything went back to normal within a few months.

My recovery from my second labour was also much faster than my first.

… until my second pregnancy, less than a year after my son was born! This time, the prolapse symptoms started about 4 months into the pregnancy. By starting pelvic floor physiotherapy early, I was able to rectify the prolapse through a program of easy stretches which took me about 15-20 min each day. After a couple of months it was improved and I felt no pain or discomfort for the remainder of the pregnancy. My recovery from my second labour was also much faster than my first, thanks to all the “prepping” work.”

Tell us your story

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help you

  • Prepare your body for birth

  • Make your pregnancy active and strong

  • Keep you informed and confident

  • Prevent post partum issues

  • Treat post partum issues

  • Our recommended plan

    We have created a map of our offerings to take you from conception to full post partum recovery. See our pre and post natal journey page for more details. 

  • Pelvic girdle, SI & pubic symphysis pain

    Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy can be severe, and move around, which can feel scary and also make it appear hard to treat. There’s so much we can do to help reduce pain and give you strategies to manage your day to day. Not everyone has pregnancy pain so it’s not ‘normal’, although it also isn’t harmful, it can just feel really bad. Everyones different, there’s no cookie cutter knees together and SI belt approach (these strategies often don’t help). You need an assessment to see what’s not aligned optimally in your body that’s causing the pelvic pain.

  • Diastasis rectus (ab separation)

    It is normal to have a widening at your central abs during end stage pregnancy – your belly does that to grow and often it resolves itself post-partum. It’s important to note though that a ‘gap’ after can be normal and fine, it doesn’t;t necessarily impact your aesthetic or strength.

    What’s important is how your abs are working, more so than any gap. We assess this and can help optimize your core control through pregnancy, and regain good core control after pregnancy so your core get’s strong again preventing any other issues.

  • Painful sex

    While it’s normal for sex to be a bit uncomfortable as you get back on the horse, painful sex post any type of birth isn’t normal and is treatable. We can assess what’s causing it, like tight fascia, scar tissue, tight muscles, nervous system sensitivity, position of organs etc, and treat the root cause. We can also troubleshoot strategies with you so you can stay sexually active if you wish to while we work towards full resolution.

  • incontinence and prolapse

    Incontinence and prolapse are common post partum issues. Please follow the links to refer to our specific pages on these conditions for more information, but know that they are NOT a normal and expected consequence of birthing. They are treated very effectively by physiotherapy, and don’t have to limit or bother you long term. Know that the earlier you see us, generally the easier rehab is. As long as you’re ready 🙂

  • C-section

    C’section is a major surgery, and whether it’s planned or not, it’s important to rehab your abs and get your pelvic floor checked after. C-section can cause pelvic floor type issues like painful sex or bladder urgency. We can help assess you, help you get strong again and prevent or treat these potential side effects.