E + E Podcast Episode 47: How To Prep Your Pelvic Floor For Labor + Delivery

Podcast

Nov 29

Listen to Episode 47

“Childbirth is such an amazing and empowering experience and knowing how to work with your pelvic floor can really really be a game changer.”

— KRYSTLE HOWALD, PT, DPT, PCES

ABOUT THE EPISODE

It’s Krystle here and today we are talking about your pelvic floor! I’ve heard it both in the clinic and inside the Expecting and Empowered community that women are told to just do kegels to prepare for labor and delivery. And, oh boy, could that be farther than the truth. Today I am going to help you improve your labor experience by strengthening your ability to work with your body during childbirth, decrease tearing, and reduce the risk of having an emergency C-section.

We discuss understanding the role the pelvic floor plays in labor and delivery, what the pelvic floor is made up of, and some of the issues that can arise in the pelvic floor that are not normal. I share some tips on how to achieve both strength and flexibility, simultaneously. Posture is also something that affects our pelvic floor. I will give you some exercises you can do to strengthen your posture. Knowing what to do during labor is also key. I offer some suggestions on what to do instead of pushing while lying on your back.

Our goal is that after listening to this episode you will learn how to:

improve your labor experience
improve your ability to work with your body during childbirth
decrease tearing and any unneccasry trauma to your pelvic floor
reduce your risk of needing an emergency c-section

Our hope is that you will feel more empowered about your pregnancy. Remember, knowledge is power and with the right preparation you can navigate this childbirth experience with confidence and trust.