Pelvic Health in Pregnancy & Postpartum

Pelvic Health Pre-pregnancy, During Pregnancy & Postpartum

Pelvic health issues can affect your desires to become a mother. Or they can arise due to pregnancy or childbirth. Hoag’s pelvic floor specialists and complementary care providers work with your obstetrician to help you gain and maintain your pelvic health throughout your parenthood journey.

What Are Pelvic Health Issues Pre-Pregnancy?

If you are experiencing infertility issues due to adhesions from prior surgeries, endometriosis or other conditions, pelvic floor physical therapy can aid in breaking up that scar tissue and increasing blood flow to the vagina and reproductive organs.

If painful intercourse is affecting your fertility, pelvic floor health specialists at the Hoag Pelvic Health Program can help.

What Does Pelvic Health Look Like in Early Pregnancy?

In your first and second trimester, it is a good idea to establish a safe exercise program to gain strength and endurance for labor positions and prepare for the post-partum demands of childcare. Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, biofeedback and educational sessions can help you manage the postural and musculoskeletal changes during this special time. These services are available as part of Hoag’s Pelvic Health Program.

What Does Pelvic Health Look Like Throughout Pregnancy?

While difficulty walking and many aches and pains are considered “normal,” pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture and specialty Pilates exercises can help decrease discomfort and give you the tools to prevent the pain from getting worse.

What Does Pelvic Health Look Like in Later Pregnancy?

The perineum is the region that needs to stretch and can sometimes tear, during a vaginal delivery. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help to stretch and mobilize this area to minimize tearing and aid in a smoother delivery process. For women hoping for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) delivery, perineal stretching and massage can help to optimize pelvic floor muscle function going into delivery.

What Pelvic Health Therapy Services are Available at Hoag Postpartum?

Hoag offers a variety of postpartum care options, including physical therapy. Your OB/GYN can refer you after your six week checkup. It is during this visit that we can address any other ailments that may be related to the pregnancy and postpartum period, including:

• Incontinence

• Prolapse

• Painful Intercourse

• Back/Neck Pain

• Postural Issues

What we evaluate at the six week physical therapy appointment:

• Pelvic Floor for spasm or weakness

• Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation)

• Scar Tissue Restrictions (Cesarean, Perineal)

• Pelvic and Spinal Alignment

• Posture and Body Mechanics

• Strength and Coordination of Trunk and Pelvis

We also discuss any treatment options for urinary or bowel incontinence, healing techniques to improve painful sex, treatment options for mastitis, and give you hope and direction to get your body and its systems back on track.

Speak with your OB/GYN about a pelvic health plan that is right for you. A doctor referral is required. For a complete list of OB/GYN providers, please visit Find a Doctor | Hoag Hospital.