What's Involved in Birth Prep Appointments with a Physical Therapist?

Yay!!! You’re having a baby! It is a very exciting time for your growing family! For 9 months, the baby has been growing in your abdomen with the body changing to accommodate and nurture the growing baby. But eventually… The baby is going to be leaving their current residence. This may cause some anxiety for you or it may not. Many people take classes prior to feeling more prepared. However, the reality is that every baby, every mother, and every birth is different. Anything can happen. The most important thing to remember is that no matter how the baby is birthed, whether vaginally or by c-section, the safety and health of the baby and mom is the utmost priority. Are there ways to prepare for birth? Absolutely! But keeping an open mind is also a good way to prepare for birth.

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Of course there are several available options for birth prep courses whether it being online or in person. Most of these classes are held at hospitals or outside businesses. What many people do not know is that physical therapists who are specifically trained in pregnancy and postpartum can also provide birth prep courses. Below are some topics and information a physical therapist may go over in a birth prep appointment.

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Perineal releases

Many people are fearful of tearing during a vaginal birth and this is the most common concern I hear during my birth prep appointments. Perineal releases are a great way to reduce the risk of tearing and the degree of tearing. Tearing can still happen depending on an individual’s body and the circumstances surrounding birth but perineal releases have been shown in research to reduce the risk and/or degree of tearing. A physical therapist will go over when to start perineal releases, how long, and how to perform them.

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Pelvic girdle opening exercises

The pelvic girdle moves during labor and birth to allow the baby to move through the canal. Exercises focused on opening the pelvic girdle from the top and bottom as well as hip mobility can influence smoother transitions during birth.

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Pushing coordination

There is actually a more optimal way of pushing during birth rather than just holding your breath and bearing down while laying on your back. A physical therapist can teach pushing coordination involving a combination of breathing and pelvic floor coordination in various positions to determine which position you may deliver the best in. Even if you can push best in one position, I typically suggest patients to still practice pushing in all positions just in case the provider needs you in a certain position. Always check with your medical provider if they are open for you to be birthing in different positions.

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Partner support

Many birth partners feel unprepared on how to be supportive and actively a part of the birth. Partners are invited to birth prep sessions to learn sacral compression techniques during contractions, communication during labor and birth, coaching breath techniques for their partner, and most importantly being an advocate for their partner. I find that partner’s want to be supportive for their birthing partner but usually do not know how to be. The birth prep appointment can be helpful for partners to feel more confident in being an active partner rather than just on standby

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Having a baby is an exciting time but it can also be a bit nerve racking for both birthing individuals and partners. While there are classes available for birth preparation, physical therapists can also provide birth prep appointments that are individualized in feeling more prepared. Remember though that anything can happen during birth. It may not go the way we hope or want it to occur. While birth prep classes and appointments can help us feel more confident or decrease risk of tearing or other complications, the safety and health of mom and baby is the most important end goal.

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If this sounds like something that can help you, contact me at Activcore Littleton to schedule a birth prep appointment.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.

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