Strong, Supported, Ready: Birth Prep with a Physical Therapist

Yay!!! You’re having a baby! It is such an exciting time for your growing family! For 9 months, the baby has been growing in your abdomen with the body changing to accommodate and nurture your growing baby. But eventually… The baby is going to be leaving their current residence. This may cause some anxiety for you or it may not. Many people take classes prior to feeling more prepared. However, the reality is that every baby, every moth, and every birth is different. Anything can happen. The most important aspect to remember is that no matter howe the baby is birth, whether vaginally or by c-section, the safety and health of the baby and mom is the utmost priority. Are there ways to help prepare for birth? Absolutely! But keeping an open mind is also a good way to prepare for birth.

There are several available options for birth prep courses whether it being online or in person. Most of these classes are held at hospitals, birthing centers, or outside businesses. What many people do not know is that physical therapists who are specifically trained in pregnancy and postpartum can also provide birth prep courses. Below are some topics and information a physical therapist may go over in a birth prep appointment.

Perineal releases

Many birthing individuals are fearful of tearing during a vaginal birth and this is the most common concern. Perineal releases are a great way to reduce the risk of tearing and the degree of tearing. Tearing may still happen depending on an individual’s body and the circumstances surrounding birth but perineal releases have been shown in research to decrease the risk and/or degree of tearing. A physical therapist will go over when to start perineal releases, duration, and instructions on how to perform them.

Pelvic girdle opening exercises

The pelvic girdle moves during labor and birth to allow the baby to move through the canal. Exercises focused on opening the pelvic girdle from the top and bottom as well as hip mobility can influence smoother transitions during birth.

Pushing coordination

There are various techniques and positions to push during birth rather than only holding your breath while laying on your back. A physical therapist can instruct pushing coordination involving a combination of breathing and pelvic floor coordination in various positions to determine which position you may deliver the best in. Even if you can push best in one position, it is recommended to practice alternate positions just in case the provider needs you in a certain position. Always check with your medical provider if they are open to you birthing in different positions.

Partner support

Many birth partners feel unprepared on how to be supportive and actively part of the birth. Partners are invited to birth prep sessions to learn sacral compression techniques during contractions, communication during labor and birth, coaching breath techniques for their partner and most importantly being an advocate for their partner. The birth prep appointment can be helpful for partners to feel more confident in being an active partner rather than just on standby.

Having a baby is an exciting time but it can also feel nerve racking for both birthing individuals and partners. While classes are available for birth prep, physical therapists can also provide education on helping upcoming new parents feel more confident and prepared. Remember that anything can happen during birth and it may not go the way we hope or want it to occur. However, there are tools and resources to help feel more confident during the journey.

At Pelvic Symphony PT, we are here for your during this new chapter in your life. Contact us now for any questions you may have for pregnancy and postpartum care.