- Kristen Redhead
Pregnancy & Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Updated: Dec 4, 2022
Who Would Benefit from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Anyone experiencing the following symptoms:
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (pressure/heaviness/bulging sensations in the vagina)
Urinary or Fecal Incontinence (leakage)
Diastasis Recti Abdominis (abdominal separation)
Painful Intercourse
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic Girdle Pain (pain in the pubic symphysis, tailbone, hips, back)
Difficulty exercising or returning to exercise during pregnancy or postpartum
Bowel/Bladder Dysfunction
C-Section Pain / Abdominal Pain
What About Preventative Physiotherapy Care?
Pregnant & postnatal women without symptoms can also book a pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment for preventative health. Research shows that perinatal pelvic floor physiotherapy can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.
Preventative Pregnancy Care:
During pregnancy we recommend booking your first “birth prep” appointment in your second trimester to discuss pelvic floor training and exercise modifications.
Usually we see you again in your third trimester to discuss pain management strategies, pushing techniques/positions and perineal stretching to prepare for birth.
Preventative Postpartum Care:
We highly recommend booking a physiotherapy assessment around 6 weeks postpartum.
At this appointment we screen for diastasis and prolapse and discuss return to exercise and intimacy.
Some of our physiotherapists can also provide breastfeeding support. Please contact us if any feeding issues arise.
Interested in Learning More About Our Other Perinatal Health Services?
Prenatal Massage
You have the option to use a medically approved pregnancy pillow during your massage.
Naturopathic Medicine
Our Naturopathic Doctor (ND) has a special interest in perinatal health.
Our ND often uses acupuncture as a tool to treat common discomforts experienced during the perinatal period. She also uses acupuncture for breech presentation and labour induction when indicated.
Prenatal Class
Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness hosts in-person, group prenatal classes instructed by Labour Day Prenatals.