What's truly "normal" in terms of pelvic floor and pregnancy health?
- Erica McIlquham
- Jun 13, 2018
- 5 min read
Hello friends!!
In parenthood there is a lot we cannot control. Becoming a parent really is a lesson in this - we have to learn and adapt because things are thrown our way. Therefore, becoming adaptable, taking challenges in stride and finding solutions to problems we are faced with are all now part of that mix of our lives as parents. Sure, we were probably okay with some of these things prior to having children - but what I'm trying to say here is that parenthood brings on it's own new set of lessons into our lives - and with those lessons (some of which will be unexpected) we have to be better at finding solutions or taking those changes in stride.
As most of you know, I am pregnant with my second child right now. Every pregnancy is different and this one, although easier in a lot of ways, has also had it's challenges. The biggest difference I see in myself this time around is my determination to take more of these challenges I am experiencing into my own hands. I think this has come with the experience of having Sweet Pea and that gave me the confidence to at least know some of what to expect. Without just reading those crazy pregnancy forums (am I right!?)
I've had more body aches and pains this time (back) - and although not a yogi - have been attending prenatal yoga to help me feel better physically and mentally. I wish I had done this the first time around.
I have more energy with this pregnancy -so I took advantage of that and have tried to stay more active than I was with Sweet Pea.
During those early days of my pregnancy - nausea was affecting me. I couldn't do much to control this besides watching my food and liquid intake at certain times of the day - but one thing that was glaringly obvious was when I would get sick - I was having issues controlling my bladder. OK. Maybe this is TMI - but it's the truth, and I know others experience this too so why hide?! Why pretend it's "normal" - and that is exactly what I kept hearing - was, it's normal. But I wasn't okay with that. I started doing research on Kegels and began doing them on my own. After a few weeks of some, but not great, success I decided it was time to see someone about this. I had known Cassie through my sister-in-law - Cassie is a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist at Taylored Training here in Kingston and I decided to reach out to her and book an appointment - just to see. It had me thinking that since my birth with Sweet Pea, I hadn't done any care for my pelvic area and that maybe before I start thinking about labouring another child I should get educated, and see what I can do to help with my "bladder" issues and pelvic health (in general).
I am writing this because EVERY WOMAN READING THIS should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. It is the single best thing I've done for my health. Through the sessions with Cassie I've developed more body awareness, learned to do Kegels effectively, completely resolved my incontinence issues and I feel more confident now about my upcoming labour than I did that first time around. If you are pregnant, you should see one to help yourself like I have - I plan on seeing her again post-labour to help my recovery. If you've already had children - you should see someone to learn about your pelvic floor and help combat issues with aging and if you haven't had children yet - you should go now, learn to kegel properly and become more aware of your body.
I am writing this because I attribute so much to my sessions with Cassie - not only is she super sweet, kind and easy to talk to, but she's smart and knowledgable in this field and you won't feel like you've wasted your time.I’m very excited to welcome Cassie as part of this blog post! Welcome Cassie as she shares her knowledge and expertise on the subject of pelvic floor physiotherapy.
There are A LOT of changes that happen to your body during pregnancy. These changes are confusing and can oftentimes leave you wondering whether what you are experiencing is normal or not. That’s what I’m here for – to help you navigate this wonderful time and to help you take care of your body both during and after pregnancy!
Did you know?
During pregnancy not only is there an increased pressure on the pelvic floor, but your body also releases a hormone, called ‘Relaxin’, that causes your ligaments and muscles to relax to allow the birth of your baby
This is important, but can sometimes mean low back, SI joint or pelvic floor discomfort, pain, or incontinence
The good news is that you do NOT have to suffer through any of these symptoms! Though they may be common, they are absolutely treatable by working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist!
More Pelvic Floor Facts You Need to Know:
Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, you do NOT have to deal with issues of incontinence, pelvic pain/pain with sex, or constipation!
Believe it or not, Kegels are not for everyone! The truth is some people should not be doing them because they have an over-contracted pelvic floor and Kegels can make this worse.
Not only that, but research shows that 1 in 2 women perform a Kegel incorrectly… even with verbal instruction! The key is to have a hands-on assessment so you can know both if you should be doing Kegels, and if you are doing them correctly
It is important to stay active and exercise during your pregnancy. Countless research studies have shown the benefits to both mom (and her pelvic floor) and baby with regular exercise. Work with a coach who is trained in working with prenatal women.
As a pelvic health physiotherapist I can help you feel your best during your pregnancy, help you prepare your body for labour and delivery, and I will be there to help you recover post-partum. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are an important part of your health care team during this incredible time!
Bringing it all back, there are a lot of things in parenting and growing a baby that we cannot control - a whole lot - this is one of those areas that even if others tell you it's normal to keep "peeing" yourself - there is something out there that can help. And trust me, when you are going through a pregnancy and there is more you can't control, than can, doing this for yourself doesn't just help your body - it will help your mind too.
xo
Erica
The post was written in collaboration with Cassie Dionne and Vanessa Giguere of Taylored Training. These opinions are all my own and no compensation was received for writing this article.
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