Preparation for childbirth in physiotherapy
Demystifying the pelvic floor for a vaginal birth or cesarean section.
At Active Solution Physiotherapy in Montreal, our therapists can help you prepare your body for the birth of your baby.
What is it about ?
You've probably heard words like ''perineum massage'', ''episiotomy'' or ''pelvic floor tear''.
Physiotherapists can explain the changes in the body during pregnancy and childbirth so that you have a good understanding of your anatomy. You will have a better understanding of your pelvic floor muscles, your deep abdominals and the different ways of breathing and pushing during birth. You will know when and how to do perineal massages and stretching.
You will understand the meaning of commonly used medical terms during follow-up visits to your gynecologist.
Understanding what happens when your baby is born will allow you to have a more positive experience welcoming your baby and will give you confidence in yourself.
Additionally, if you are well prepared during pregnancy, you will already have good strategies to facilitate recovery after birth.
How can physio help?
Perineal exercises, Kegels, during pregnancy as well as pelvic floor massages can help reduce the risk of more severe tears (3rd and 4th degrees)(1).
That said, it is important that the exercises are taught well: in fact, many people are not able to properly relax their pelvic floor and do Kegels the wrong way. An evaluation by a physiotherapist will allow you to correct your technique to ensure better results.
- Perineal assessment
- Education on pelvic floor anatomy and functions
- Development of an exercise plan tailored to your needs (if no complications)
- Orthopedic assessment in case of pelvis/back pain and others
- Perineal massages
- Perineal stretching
- Learn to push and breathe during birth
- Pain management during childbirth
- Education on ergonomics with a baby (pain prevention)
- Facilitating post-partum recovery
Perineal assessment
Education on pelvic floor anatomy and functions
Development of an Exercise plan adapted to your needs (if no complications)
Orthopedic assessment in case of pelvis/back pain and others
Perineal massages
Perineal stretching
Learn to push and breathe during birth
Pain management during childbirth
Education on ergonomics with a baby (pain prevention)
Facilitate postpartum recovery
Treatment Options
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in clinic in Montreal
Web pelvic floor physiotherapy throughout Québec
1 - Third and fourth degree perineal tears clinical care standard. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/perineal_tears_ccs_v3.pdf
