What Happens to the Body
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most amazing life events. Carrying and nourishing a baby for nine months is wonderful and fulfilling, but it can also be overwhelming, taking a massive toll on the body during both pregnancy and delivery. Changes take place constantly through the first and second trimesters, and by the third trimester and delivery, more stress happens on the body, especially the pelvic area.
Overstretched abdominal skin, urinary incontinence, and general pain and discomfort are common during pregnancy and childbirth. During childbirth, pushing the baby down the birth canal can strain the pelvic floor muscles, and these experiences often continue after giving birth. The body takes time to get back to normal, and it might not fully do so without additional help, these physical challenges can affect psychological and emotional well-being too.
What to Watch For
Protruding belly: as the uterus expands to accommodate a growing baby, the abdominal tissues and muscles stretch. After birth, that stretch may not fully return to its original state, resulting in a belly pooch known as diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles develop an unusual gap that doesn't close back up on its own.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: intense pushing during vaginal birth or an incision during a Cesarean section can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles. Postpartum, this can result in fecal or urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain and spasms, back pain, decreased sexual libido, and pain during intercourse.
Pain in the abdomen: after delivery, the uterus returns to its original size over about six weeks. The contraction of the muscles can cause mild to severe abdominal pain, which may be felt more during breastfeeding as the body releases oxytocin that triggers those contractions.
Postpartum depression: lingering postpartum pain and discomfort can contribute to postpartum depression. Unresolved pain can affect disposition and general well-being, including emotional and psychological health, and depression can also stem from hormonal changes or the new responsibilities that come with a baby.
Restoring Strength and Function
Physical therapy helps new mothers by restoring normal function and rebuilding muscle strength after the intense ordeal of childbirth. It can also help manage or reduce common postpartum symptoms and address the effects of pelvic floor dysfunction, such as retraining bladder control to avoid urinary leaks or incontinence.
A physical therapist will assess a patient's current condition, evaluating muscle tone and strength, pain points, muscle coordination, and pain threshold. From there, they build a treatment plan suited to the patient's needs and goals.
Exercises Your PT May Recommend
A PT may recommend Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, these can be done before, during, or after pregnancy, and can also help increase bladder control and sexual sensation postpartum.
Low-intensity abdominal exercises help restore strength in the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, starting easy and light and increasing in intensity as the patient gains endurance. Examples include the pelvic bridge, pelvic tilts, modified planks, and heel slides. Balance exercises that strengthen the core, often using a Bosu or yoga ball, can also help eliminate back pain.
The physical therapist is best positioned to identify the exercises that are appropriate for, and not too strenuous for, each patient's physical capability. Tribeca Physical Therapy New York has highly qualified physical therapists who can help women postpartum get back to their pre-pregnancy state and reduce their pain and discomfort. Send us a message today for an evaluation.