By Diana Schneider, 3DPT Director of Women’s Health

Have you been wondering what to get your mom for Mother’s Day? Well, here are a few things that aren’t on any mom’s list, but often come as part of the pregnancy package anyway.   

• Back, pelvic, and hip pain 
• Mom Bladder   
• A long labor 

Don’t worry, your mom doesn’t hold any of this against you. She still loves you and thinks you were completely worth all the trouble. The good news is healthcare for moms has really improved over the years and we have learned that many of these common pregnancy problems are very treatable with physical therapy, even if their kids are in college now!  

Back and pelvic pain occurs in 70-86% of pregnancies, but only about 1 in 3 expecting moms tell their family doctor or obstetrician. A lot of people have heard that aches and pains are common in pregnancy and this can lead to a misconception that nothing can be done to help. But PTs can! We treat these types of muscle and joint problems all the time, so there’s no reason we can’t treat them during pregnancy. We treat these types of muscle and joint problems all the time, so there’s no reason we can’t treat them during pregnancy. Our Women’s Health team has the training to understand how the body changes and adjusts during this unique time so we can tailor the treatment to your needs. A lot of people believe the pain will go away on its own after giving birth, but unfortunately, that is not always the case.  

Urinary incontinence is so common during and after pregnancy it’s earned the nickname Mom Bladder. It includes frequent trips to the bathroom, strong urges, and leaking. Once again, because it’s common it’s easy to assume it’s normal and acceptable but this can absolutely be treated in physical therapy, even while you’re still pregnant. Yes, your bladder has a baby sitting on it and your hormones are complicating things but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things you can do to reduce or completely get rid of your symptoms.   

Our Women’s Health physical therapists have received special training to improve pelvic joint and muscle function. Applying this training to your individual needs helps reduce pain, improves bladder control, prepares your body for labor and delivery, reduces the risk of tearing, and can shorten your labor. Do you know a mom who has to cross her legs when she sneezes? Do you know a mom who has pain or just hasn’t felt right since she had a baby? She may want flowers and she may like chocolate, but the best Mother’s Day gift she can probably get is her health back.