Constipation can affect our pelvic health, it can be a risk factor for conditions such as, hemorrhoids, pelvic pain, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Recently I connected with a Jess Pirnak, a Registered Dietitian based in Vancouver B.C. We discussed constipation and I wanted to share the helpful tips she provided below!

An analogy that is often used is “would you run a marathon without preparing for it?” We should take the same degree of care with childbirth - a bit of prep can go a long ways. Things don’t always go as planned, regardless, it’s helpful to have a plan and practice before-hand, and that what we’re here for.

There can be a lot of anxiety during pregnancy, one anxiety provoking thought is delivery and tearing during delivery.

Pre-natal perineal massage helps reduce both perineal trauma during birth and pain afterwards.

Are you pregnant and experiencing pain in the low back and/or pelvic region? Are you experiencing difficulty moving throughout your day, rolling over in bed, getting in and out of a car, managing work and household tasks? Have you been told that it’s just related to “pregnancy hormones,” “it’s just a part of being pregnant,” “you’re pelvis is unstable and you must be very careful,” this is common, 46-58% of pregnant women experience this, which makes it seem like it’s “just a normal part of being pregnant” (1). If this sounds familiar, read on.

The ultimate goal is to aid you in reaching your fertility goals and it is important that we are proactive regarding the breadth of issues that could affect fertility outcomes. Exercise is a relatively inexpensive addition to “usual care” and can improve the outcomes of “natural” fertility and assisted fertilization. A physiotherapist can advise you and help to create a program to aid in your fertility journey.

Pelvic floor issues are as prevalent as low back pain, affecting up to 80% of the population. When you have issues with your back, it’s highly likely you’ll tell someone about your pain. You are far less likely to share over coffee how your vulva pain is really playing up today.

The research shows that more than 50% of women do not perform Kegel’s correctly (a Kegel is a pelvic floor muscle contraction). Many people believe that pelvic floor physiotherapy is synonymous with “Kegels” and this is not the case.

Find out if: Kegels will cure all pelvic health concerns, all pelvic health concerns are related to weakness in the pelvic floor, if urinary incontinence is normal after childbirth or as we age, pain with intercourse is normal, or if having a C-section with prevent pelvic floor dysfunction.