When is the best time to see a Pelvic Health Physio during pregnancy for birth preparation?

Regardless of type of birth you are planning, birth preparation is such an important part of ensuring that you are prepared for the type of birth you are having.

What is involved in birth preparation?

• Pelvic floor preparation - this is an important part of ensuring that your pelvic floor can support you and your body during pregnancy, as well as being able to relax and lengthen during labour (if planning a vaginal delivery), as well as prepare for postpartum

• Teaching how to ‘push’ - this doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so it’s important to know how to push.

• Perineal massage from 34 weeks (first time mums)

• Learn birth positions and pain management strategies.

• Optimising movement patterns and mobility.

There are also SO many other reasons why you might need or want to see a Pelvic Health Physio during pregnancy. Many mums-to-be see a Pelvic Health Physio to support them with:

• Guidance around exercises during pregnancy

• Pelvic Health conditions or symptoms e.g. pelvic pain, constipation, incontinence etc

• Pregnancy specific niggles or aches e.g. pelvic girdle pain, back or hip pain

So… when is the best time to see a Pelvic Health Physio for birth preparation?

There are at least two times that I recommend seeing a Pelvic Health Physio during pregnancy for birth prep.

The first time is during your second trimester (e.g. 16-20 weeks) to assess your pelvic floor function and ensure that it is working well. It’s also a really great time to check in on your body and address any pelvic health and musculoskeletal conditions/issues.

The second time is at 34 weeks for specific birth preparation. This includes perineal massage, pelvic floor relaxation, learning different birth positions and pain management strategies, learning how to push and anything else that might come up.

If you’re ready to do some preparation for birth, book in here.