The second trimester, often called the “golden period” of pregnancy, is when many women feel their best. Morning sickness often subsides, energy levels rise, and the baby bump begins to show. But while this trimester brings a sense of ease for many, it’s also a critical time to pay attention to your pelvic floor health.
What Happens During the Second Trimester?
The second trimester spans weeks 14 through 27 and marks a period of rapid growth for both you and your baby. Here’s what’s happening:
- Baby’s Growth: Your baby grows from the size of a lemon to that of a cauliflower, putting more pressure on your pelvic floor muscles.
- Hormonal Shifts Continue: The hormone relaxin remains elevated, further loosening ligaments to prepare for childbirth. While helpful, this can lead to joint instability or discomfort.
- Weight Gain and Postural Changes: As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts. This can cause strain on your lower back, hips, and pelvic region.
- Increased Pressure on the Pelvic Floor: The added weight of your uterus and baby can challenge your pelvic floor muscles, making it crucial to maintain strength and flexibility.
Why Pelvic Floor PT in the Second Trimester?
Pelvic floor PT is not just for the postpartum period. Starting or continuing therapy in the second trimester can help you adapt to the changes in your body and prepare for childbirth.
- Prevent or Manage Common Discomforts: Issues like pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, and round ligament pain are common in the second trimester. A pelvic floor PT can address these discomforts with targeted exercises and manual therapy.
- Support for a Growing Baby: As the baby grows, your pelvic floor takes on a heavier load. PT can help ensure these muscles are strong enough to support the extra weight while remaining flexible for delivery.
- Address Bladder and Bowel Changes: Increased pressure on the bladder can lead to leaks when you sneeze or laugh (stress incontinence). PT can teach you techniques to reduce or prevent this.
- Prepare for Delivery: Learning how to properly relax and engage your pelvic floor muscles during the second trimester ensures you’ll be better prepared for labor when the time comes.
- Improve Posture and Core Strength: Pelvic floor PT includes core and posture training to help you manage the physical demands of pregnancy and reduce strain on your back and pelvis.
The second trimester is a time of significant change, but it’s also an opportunity to prioritize your health and well-being. By incorporating pelvic floor PT into your routine, you can prevent discomfort, enhance your strength and flexibility, and prepare for the months ahead with confidence. If you’re curious about pelvic floor PT, schedule a FREE discovery phone call to talk with one of our skilled pelvic floor PTs.
To learn more about how Pelvic floor PT could help in the 1st and 3rd Trimester refer to the following blog posts:
Pelvic Floor PT during the 1st Trimester:
https://legacytherapystl.com/navigating-the-first-trimester-why-pelvic-floor-pt-should-be-on-your-radar/
Pelvic Floor PT during the 3nd Trimester: https://legacytherapystl.com/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-during-the-third-trimester-why-its-essential-for-your-pregnancy-journey/
