Alphabetical Index of Articles on Women's Sexual, Pelvic Floor, and Reproductive Health

A healthy lifestyle includes getting back to exercise postpartum

Exercise has shown to be beneficial in all stages of life, and the postpartum period is no exception.

Some of the benefits of postpartum exercise are:

• Strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
• Boosts energy
• May help prevent postpartum depression
• Promotes better sleep
• Relieves stress
• Can help you lose the extra weight that you may have gained during pregnancy
  (ACOG, July 2019).

Even with all these benefits, research shows that most mothers stop participating in exercise programs which leads to increased weight gain and obesity (Minig et al., and O’Toole et al., 2003). There are many adjustments that have to be made when becoming a new mother and the information on the internet regarding postpartum exercise can be misguided and overwhelming. Let's break down what the literature says about guidelines for returning to exercise postpartum.

Pelvic pain during the postpartum period is common, even for those who had a “perfect and easy” pregnancy, labor and delivery. Often times, healthcare providers will tell women that the pain “will get better with time,” however it's important to advocate for yourself and seek out care if you feel like you need it. Read my previous article about advocating for your postpartum care here.

Common types of postpartum pelvic pain and what you can do at home:

Vaginal Dryness

After delivery, your estrogen levels drop and progesterone levels stay high, especially if your are breastfeeding.

What you can do:

A simple solution can be drinking more water and using a water-based lubricant, read my previous blog on choosing the right lubricant for you.

We can help with a large range of pregnancy and post-partum related disorders. We also offer a post-hysterectomy recovery program and many other pregnancy and non-pregnancy related services.

Redefining Postpartum Care in the “Fourth Trimester” by Utilizing Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Last month the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) updated their position on postpartum care in the “fourth trimester” - the first 12 weeks after your baby is born. This is such a huge step for better healthcare and support for women after delivery. In other countries (France, Belgium, Northern Ireland and other European countries), postpartum physical therapy is a routine referral for women both in the hospital and for ongoing support when they are discharged.

The statement updates the previous recommendation of a 6 week visit, and instead supports a paradigm shift of postpartum care that not only adds contact with their Ob-Gyns within the first 3 weeks of delivery, but also address the need for ongoing care: