A Pelvic Floor PT's Pregnancy Journey: Insights and Advice for Expecting Mamas
Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)
As some of you may know, I am currently pregnant with my first baby—a sweet little girl expected to arrive at the end of September! Experiencing pregnancy as a pelvic floor physical therapist (PFPT) has given me a unique perspective. While there have certainly been new challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone, having a background in pelvic health has been incredibly valuable, and I’d love to share a few insights with you.
Managing Pregnancy-Related Aches and Pains
I’ve been fortunate to have what I like to call a “unicorn” pregnancy—things have mostly gone smoothly, but like many moms, I’ve still faced my fair share of aches and pains. One of the most helpful lessons I’ve learned is not to be afraid of movement. Whenever new discomfort crops up (which often happens just before an OB appointment, only to fade away after!), I’ve relied on a few key strategies:
Self-massage and mobilization to target specific areas of pain
Visits to a fellow pelvic floor PT for additional support
Cupping and chiropractic care to address alignment issues
Heat therapy and warm baths for relaxation and relief
Exercise and rest to find balance and maintain strength
Being a PT has certainly made it easier for me to diagnose what’s happening and determine the best course of action. But above all, having this knowledge has kept me from fearing these new aches and pains, helping me address them proactively.
My advice for fellow mamas: Don’t ignore discomfort or wait until it severely impacts your daily life. If you’re struggling with pain, reach out to your provider. If they suggest seeing a physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, don’t hesitate. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to take care of yourself!
Navigating Perceptions of Pregnancy
One aspect of pregnancy that’s been eye-opening is the difference between how I perceive my journey and how others see it. For those who aren’t pregnant, it’s easy to make assumptions about what a mom-to-be might be feeling or experiencing—but trust me, it’s best not to assume!
For example, comments about how much or how little a pregnant woman is “showing” can be sensitive territory. What you might see as an outsider can be very different from how the mother feels about her changing body. A simple, “You look great!” can go a long way. The same goes for birth plans—keep in mind that this is a deeply personal decision. If you’re unsure what to say or aren’t familiar with a particular mom’s feelings or plans, support her by listening and offering encouragement instead of judgment.
Educating Yourself: The Key to Empowered Choices
Before becoming pregnant, I thought I had a decent understanding of what to expect during pregnancy and how to prepare for labor and delivery. Boy, was I wrong! Over these past seven months, I’ve learned just how much there is to know, from taking birth classes and listening to podcasts to reading books, talking with other moms, hiring a doula, and asking my OB a ton of questions.
The most important message I want to share with you is this: You have choices! Your birth can and should look the way you want it to. So many expecting moms aren’t fully aware of the options available to them, whether it’s knowing what to expect from an epidural, wanting to stay mobile during labor, considering a non-medicated birth, or understanding the possibility of a c-section. Birth is not a “one-size-fits-all” experience, and it’s essential to be informed and prepared.
Take time to educate yourself, but try not to feel overwhelmed. Know your rights, explore your options, and remember: this is your birth story. It’s yours to shape, and no one else’s.
In summary: Embrace your journey, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. You’ve got this, mama!
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With wellness in your pelvis-
Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)