Pelvic floor muscles work harder than normal during pregnancy. They are supporting the weight of the growing baby. These muscles are also softened by the effects of pregnancy hormones. They also are stretched and possibly cut through during labor. All of these factors can cause incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain and more.

Quick answer is no. This is common, but not normal! Urine leakage at ANY phase of life is not normal. Most of these symptoms are very treatable through pelvic floor physical therapy. It’s never too late!

Your OBGYN will likely clear you for return to exercise at your 6 week postpartum check-up. However, once cleared, the return should be gradual and should factor in your pregnancy and birth experience, your current level of activity, the exercise type, your goals, and your pelvic floor's response to activity.

Your OBGYN will likely clear you for return to exercise at your 6-8 week postpartum check-up once the incision has fully closed. However, once cleared, the return should be gradual and should factor in your pregnancy and birth experience, your level of activity, the exercise type, and your core and pelvic floor's response to activity. Cesarean deliveries often produce pain, soreness, and possible sensation changes at the incision site that can be resolved in therapy.

A growing baby will place increased stress on a pregnant person's body, as it leads to changes in joint stability, muscle function and postural awareness among others. Pain is a common complaint in pregnancy for these reasons, but not always considered normal. Working with a trained physical therapist can help reduce pain as pregnancy progresses and prepare your body for a smooth delivery.

The weight of a growing belly and breasts pull the abdomen forward, causing a larger curve in the low back. This shift forces the muscles of the core and back to work harder to maintain balance and posture. If the core is weakened, then muscles in the back can over-activate or spasm, causing pain.

Physical therapists are experts of the musculoskeletal system. They are able to treat your back pain comprehensively with manual therapy techniques, a personalized exercise program, and guidance for improved movement strategies. In some cases, they may recommend the use of a belt or brace for additional support, particularly as your belly continues to grow during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the breasts grow larger and heavier, forcing the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back to work harder to maintain proper posture & keep good head and neck alignment. As muscles fatigue, this can lead to postural impairments like slouching. Postural changes and overworked muscles can lead to neck & shoulder pain.

The pelvic floor works to support your pelvic joints and organs and to prevent leaking gas, urine or stool. Pregnancy and childbirth can lead to changes in these muscles, as they can be overly stretched, produce tension and in the case of c-section, cut through. Postpartum physical therapy is about restore their ability to work & rebuilding strength and coordination.

The typical rule of thumb is if these are activities you did before pregnancy without any issues, then you should be ok to do them during. Keep in mind body structure and cardiovascualr changes that occur during pregnancy can change your stamina and mechanics, which is why physical therapy can help guide you safely through the process.

Yes, yes & yes. Various layers were cut through during cesarean delivery, including superficial nerves. Increased pain can come from the surgery itself, scar healing and scar tissue building. Numbness & tingling typically occur from the superficial nerves being cut, but sensation regenerates at a slower rate. Your physical therapist will provide you with the proper techniques to address these issues safely.

It takes anywhere from about 6-10 weeks for a c-section scar to fully close and heal. Once healed, the scar can feel firm, tender and maybe have some redness. It is recommended to initially work around the scar itself, forming small hand circles above, below, and around to address scar tissue beneath until fully healed.

The most obvious sign of a diastasis recti is "coning" or "doming." Coning is seen in the space between your six pack muscles typically between the sternum and belly button when doing a crunch-like movement. The increased pressure in the abdomen caused by crunching pushes against the over-stretched connective tissue making it bulge outwards.

It’s NEVER too late! Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging all contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. All of which develop over a long period of time, and all can absolutely be treated with the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist.