First Trimester: Prevent & Prepare
Last week, we talked about how physical therapy can provide symptom relief during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Now what if you are one of those super blessed mommas that has no need for symptom relief – how can physical therapy possibly benefit you? Two word: PREVENTION and PREPARATION.
Even if you are not experiencing negative pregnancy symptoms, your body is still going through some massive changes and will continue to go through these throughout your pregnancy and after your baby enters the world. The first trimester of pregnancy is the perfect time to see a physical therapist to prevent further symptoms and damage to your tissues as well as to prepare your body for the demands that lie ahead of you in your journey.
Staying active during your pregnancy can help prevent complications including heart, lung, and metabolic-related issues such as diabetes. Although pregnancy is never the time to take up a new, intense workout routine, the first trimester is a great time to make exercise a regular part of your routine. You weren’t big into working out prior to your pregnancy? No worries – there are plenty of safe exercise routines that can benefit you. Meeting with a Doctor of Physical Therapy early in your pregnancy can help you identify an initial preventative and preparatory exercise routine that will be safe and benefit you and your growing baby.
Early pregnancy is the perfect time to learn about pelvic floor and core activation and strengthening. The weight and pressure of the expanding uterus and growing fetus place a large demand on the abdominal wall and pelvic floor. By learning how to active these muscles early, you can improve your strength and coordination which can not only prolong symptoms including discomfort and incontinence in later pregnancy but will improve your post-partum recovery process.
Along with pelvic floor and core muscle training, a general strengthening program is essential for preparing your body for the demands of labor/delivery, post-partum recovery, and motherhood. True muscle building takes at least 6 weeks, therefore you need to start early and be consistent if you want to make true changes to your strength. By improving your strength, you will not only be more prepared to take on the intense physical demands of delivering a baby but you will be able to perform your duties as a new mom more easily with less chance of injury. My hope is that all women will some day be sent to see a Doctor of Physical Therapy early in their pregnancy journey. In as little as one visit, you can learn strategies that can help to prevent pain, injury, and complications as well as can prepare you for the long road ahead of you in your pregnancy and post-partum recovery. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for pregnant women or if you would like a compassionate healthcare professional to keep you on track during your pregnancy, contact me today!
