Welcome to The Pregnancy Centre newsletter
from the desk of Dianne, physio at PMFP, Director and Creator of The Pregnancy Centre, Pelvic Floor First campaign ambassador
Where are you in your pregnancy or postnatal journey? We see such a spectrum of women who's personal journey into motherhood includes looking after their body, but sometimes there are a few surprises that can come with pregnancy. Whether it be a bulge in the middle of their abdominal muscle wall, or some pelvic floor changes that were unexpected, some of these were unprepared for.
So if you are unsure about these or other issues, read more, and if unsure, seek further advice, to help you enjoy the journey more.
Pre Pregnancy |
Check your pelvic floor before planning your next pregnancy
With a second or third pregnancy, (or more), your abdominal muscles have stretched before, and so have the ligaments that support your uterus. Sometimes this can lead to feeling that things inside are more "stretchy", so when planning your next pregnancy, take time to think about uplevelling your pelvic floor fitness first.
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Pregnancy |
How not to do your pelvic floor exercises
There are still some myths around about pelvic floor exercises. The key is to keep your accurate focus on your pelvic floor, rather than on feeling your legs or bottom working. If you breath hold or excessively tighten your upper abdominals, this means that your technique isn't accurate and it's better to focus more internally inside your pelvic floor. Please check if you are unsure, as incorrect technique can cause pelvic floor problems. It's much better when you invest well in your pelvic floor fitness during your pregnancy.
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Pregnancy |
More for your pelvic floor
To tune more into your pelvic floor, a pregnancy pelvic floor e course is available, to help you understand and connect to your pelvic floor more during your pregnancy.
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Post Pregnancy |
Returning to Cycling Post Birth
Cycling is a low impact option initially, once you are comfortable sitting post birth, and as you build, you are able to build more intensity into your work outs as your fitness improves. Because you are seated, cycling also provides some pelvic floor support. Start with "seated cycling first", before you build up your resistance levels.
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