Your pelvic area is a complex part of your body. It holds your reproductive organs, including the uterus, where a baby grows during pregnancy. It’s also home to many of your other organs, including digestive organs. The many muscles of your pelvic floor have to stay strong and work together to keep this part of your body functioning correctly.
What happens to your pelvic area during pregnancy, and how can you ease the stress that this part of your body goes through as you gestate new life? At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges provides support to patients before, during, and after pregnancy, including advice on pelvic floor care.
Here are her top five tips on protecting your pelvic floor and everything contained in your pelvic area during pregnancy.
When your body is at a healthy weight, your core doesn’t have to bear as much physical stress. Before and during your pregnancy, focus on healthy weight loss.
You don’t want to deprive yourself of needed nutrients at this important time, but carrying extra pounds increases your risk of pelvic floor problems. With the right support and expert advice, you can healthily manage your body weight while pregnant.
Smoking is a risk for you and your pregnancy. Talk to your provider at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin about how to quit smoking while pregnant.
Among the many health benefits of quitting smoking, you lower your risk of pelvic floor dysfunction by reducing the amount you cough. You also reduce health risks for yourself and your baby by giving up smoking now.
Frequent constipation and straining can cause issues for your pelvic floor muscles. Since that part of your body will already be facing so much stress during pregnancy, spare yourself the added burden of bowel issues.
Eat foods rich in dietary fiber, which help to prevent constipation. You may also want to use a gentle stool softener during pregnancy.
You can exercise your pelvic floor muscles to build strength and coordination. A commonly used exercise that helps improve pelvic floor muscles is known as the Kegel exercise. To do a Kegel, tense the internal muscles you use to stop the flow of your urine. Hold, release, and repeat three sets of 10 daily to tone up your pelvic floor.
With health complications like pelvic organ prolapse a possibility after pregnancy, it’s essential to partner with medical professionals you can trust as your body undergoes this period of stress and change. The women’s healthcare experts at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin accompany you throughout your pregnancy journey, ensuring that you have the resources you need to stay strong and healthy while your baby grows.
For pregnancy support, including pelvic floor therapy recommendations, contact Dr. Bridges and the OB/GYN experts at Women's Health Partners of the Permian Basin online or over the phone now and schedule an appointment.
