Hey there māmā-to-be!
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Growing a human being inside you is no easy feat, and you are doing an incredible job already. As you are preparing for the arrival of your little bundle of joy, there are so many things to consider and plan for. One important thing that you may not have thought about yet is birth preparation appointments with a pelvic health physiotherapist.
Now, I know what you might be thinking - "That sounds a bit scary and medical, do I really need that?" But trust me, it's not scary at all and it's actually a fun and empowering experience.
During your appointment, you'll start off by having a chat with us about any physical discomfort you may be experiencing, such as pain or changes in bladder or bowel function. This is a chance for you to share any concerns you may have and for us to get an idea of what areas to focus on during the physical examination.
Next up, is the physical examination. We will take a look at your pelvic position and hip rotation in standing and while performing functional activities like squats. We will also perform an assessment to check your pelvic floor tone, strength, and coordination. Don't worry, we’ll make sure you're comfortable and explain everything we’re doing before going ahead.
So, why is all of this important? Well, having a strong and flexible pelvic floor can help you during labour and delivery, reduce your risk of tearing or needing interventions, and even improve your postpartum recovery. Plus, you'll learn about different birth positions and techniques that can help you open your pelvis and manage pain during labour.
Pelvic health physiotherapists all over Aotearoa continue to hear a similar narrative and phrase at postpartum appointments - “I wish I had have known” or “I wish I had seen you earlier”. In order to try and change this narrative we have been increasingly encouraging women to seek assistance much earlier in their pregnancy journey. Birth preparation with a pelvic health physio is another tool you can use when navigating this special time. We believe it is an essential tool for getting your body ready for pregnancy, delivery and beyond by increasing your understanding and knowledge of the
birth process, the external pelvis and the internal pelvis (pelvic floor).
So, if you want to go into your birth feeling empowered, educated, and with the most optimal pelvic floor, consider booking a birth preparation appointment with a pelvic health physiotherapist. Trust me, you won't regret it.
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