Whether you had your C-section scheduled in advance or changed plans quickly on delivery day, we are so happy you and your baby have made it here! Oftentimes, the labor and delivery process can be a blur. In this blog post, we will review some background information about C-sections, briefly discuss the procedure so you can understand the healing process more thoroughly, and then go over short-term implications to be aware of during the immediate two weeks following delivery.

The first month after childbirth is a critical time for healing and adjusting to life with your newborn. Your body has undergone incredible changes over the last nine months, and now it needs focused care and patience to support a smooth recovery. Here’s what to focus on during this first month to nurture your body, safeguard your health, and set yourself up for long-term wellness.

When it comes to fitness and health, squats are often celebrated for their ability to tone the legs, glutes, and core. However, their benefits extend beyond visible muscle groups. Squatting is a highly effective exercise for strengthening the pelvic floor, a group of muscles that play a crucial role in supporting your internal organs, maintaining bladder and bowel control, and enhancing sexual health.

Pregnant and love lifting weights? Great news! A recent study found that heavy resistance training during pregnancy can be safe for experienced lifters. Women who continued to lift at least 80% of their one-rep max experienced low rates of pregnancy complications, and those who kept training saw fewer delivery issues. There was also no risk associated with urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse in those who continued to lift heavy, contrary to popular belief that lifting heavy can cause these issues.

Pregnancy is a miraculous journey, marked by numerous transformations within a woman's body as it prepares to nurture and bring forth new life. These changes are not only fascinating but also crucial for the healthy development of the baby. Understanding the anatomical alterations that occur during pregnancy can provide insight into the incredible capabilities of the female body. It also helps us understand why you may have pain, stiffness, or other physical limitations and symptoms during pregnancy and afterward.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that many women may not hear about until they experience symptoms or receive a diagnosis during a routine pelvic exam–and men during a routine physical exam. While it only affects a small percentage of men and women, it’s important to understand what it is, what causes it, and how it can be treated—especially as we age or after childbirth.

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a very rare condition, affecting about 1% of women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). People with PGAD experience sudden and uncontrollable physical sensations that feel like sexual arousal. However, these sensations happen without sexual desire and are not relieved by orgasm. Although PGAD has been studied mostly in women and AFAB individuals, it can also occur in men and people assigned male at birth.

Men (and those with male anatomy), have you ever typed into Google: “It feels like there’s a golf ball in my rectum”... “There’s so much pressure in my butt”... “Something feels stuck near my tailbone”...“My tailbone hurts every time I sit”...“I can’t drive for long without pain.” If so, you’re not alone—and what you’re experiencing could be related to one of several possible conditions.

Trauma and chronic stress—whether emotional, physical, or psychological—have long been recognized as key contributors to a variety of health conditions. One area often overlooked, however, is the pelvic floor. Many people are surprised to learn that stress can significantly impact pelvic health, especially when left unresolved over time.‍ Whether you’re dealing with digestive irregularities, urinary urgency, pain with sitting, or unexplained pelvic discomfort, understanding how the nervous system, diaphragm, and pelvic floor work together is essential.

How can PT’s support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond? Physical therapists are educators and education is a key component of supporting women through Menopause. Learning how to optimize our bodies and minds to move into this transition in a strong and healthy way can help make the difference between smooth sailing or a bumpy path.