HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY Health Tips Newsletter
YOUR PELVIC HEALTH: EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY
MAY IS PELVIC PAIN AWARENESS MONTH!
INSIDE :
• Conditions That Can Benefit From Pelvic Health PT • Complimentary Screening
• Patient Success Spotlight • And More!
pregnancy. An evaluation with a pelvic health physical therapist can assist in treatment of mid and low back pain, as well as pelvic pains associated with pregnancy. At Excel, we are able to spend 1 hour sessions one-on-one with our patients which allows us to focus on each patient’s individual needs and ensure safe completion of exercise. Pelvic health physical therapists have specialized training in pregnancy and post-partum related conditions, so we can also provide education on laboring positions, pelvic recovery following a vaginal or cesarean birth and appropriate peripartum and post-partum exercises. It is also encouraged that a woman return to physical therapy 6 weeks post-delivery to reduce diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles) as well as to work on pelvic floor, core and back muscle strength, and posture. If you are pregnant or post-partum and would like to learn more about appropriate exercise, contact your OBGYN and ask for a referral for a pelvic health physical therapist. References: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015). ACOG committee opinion no. 650: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 126(6), e135-42. Doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001214 U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2018). Physical activity guidelines for americans 2nd ed. https://health.gov/paguidelines
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In the absence of any medical or obstetric complication or contraindication, physical activity during pregnancy is safe and encouraged. Benefits of exercise during pregnancy include lower incidences of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension (preeclampsia), as well as reduction of depressive disorders in the post-
Michelle Fritz, PT, DPT Excel PT - Blue Bell
partum period. There are also benefits for the fetus that include lower incidence of preterm birth, lower incidence of cesarean birth and lower incidence of lower birth weight babies. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Examples of exercises that have been extensively studied to be safe and beneficial during pregnancy are walking, stationary cycling, aerobic exercises, dancing, resistance exercises, stretching exercises, and water aerobics. A pelvic health physical therapist can assist in establishing safe exercise parameters throughout the stages of pregnancy and post-partum. Many pregnant women can develop orthopedic conditions during pregnancy secondary to weight gain, reduced balance and ligamentous laxity. More than 60% of pregnant women experience low back pain during their
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