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Looking after your pelvic floor during pregnancy

18 September 2017

Blog
Maternity Womens health
The muscles of your pelvic floor are vital, especially when you are pregnant. Our Physiotherapist Narelle Dalley shares her top tips to looking after your pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor muscles help support your back and the weight of your growing baby while assisting you in maintaining good bladder and bowel control.

During pregnancy, these muscles can lose tone and become lax.

Ways you can protect your pelvic floor during your daily activities:

  • Stabilise your pelvis. Tighten your tummy, pelvic floor and buttock muscles when changing position.
  • Stand tall when walking so the deep layer of corset-like muscles in your tummy tighten.
  • Ensure equal weight on both feet. If standing for long periods, gently sway from side to side.
  • Sit when dressing.
  • Do not cross your legs. Sit symmetrically on the chair.
  • Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects.
  • Shorten your strides.
  • Take the stairs one step at a time or avoid stairs if there is an alternative.

Sleeping

Put a pillow between your knees. Have your top knee as high as your hip when lying on your side. Keep the pillow(s) between your knees when you turn. A boomerang or long body pillow can also support your tummy.

The car and driving

When getting in, lower yourself onto the seat backwards. Turn to the front of the car and bring your legs in with your knees and ankles together.

Household chores

Avoid chores such as, vacuuming, mopping or sweeping. If unavoidable, stabilise the pelvis, keep your body upright and minimise twisting at your hips.

When performing tasks that require you to stoop, such as making the bed, try squatting or kneeling.

St John of God Health Care
Narelle Dalley - Physiotherapist

Narelle Dalley is a physiotherapist with 14 years’ experience, and is also the Allied Health Chief at St John of God Bendigo Hospital. Narelle has an interest in musculoskeletal pain during and after pregnancy.