S.M.A.R.T Start to Motherhood Program
A video series and group physical therapy program for pregnant women supporting pelvic floor education and health during and after pregnancy.
How does pregnancy affect your pelvic floor?
You may have heard the term “pelvic floor,” but you may not know much about it. Now that you’re pregnant, it’s important to understand how pregnancy and childbirth impacts your pelvic floor and the physical and emotional effects of childbirth.
Your pelvic floor is made up of a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, vagina and bowel, and these muscles work extra hard during pregnancy. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to such conditions as bowel and bladder control issues, prolapse and pain during sex.
What is S.M.A.R.T. Start to Motherhood?
The S.M.A.R.T Start to Motherhood Program is a video series and group physical therapy program designed to teach you about your pelvic floor, how to manage conditions that may arise during and after pregnancy, and exercises to restrengthen the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth. S.M.A.R.T stands for Supplying Medical Knowledge And Rehabilitative Therapy.
The short videos in the series will cover common topics, including:
- Your pelvic floor: An introduction (view video)
- Diastasis rectus abdominis, also known as the “mom pooch”
- Bladder issues during pregnancy and postpartum
- Bowel issues during pregnancy and postpartum
- Obstetric tears and episiotomy
- Recovery and what to expect postpartum
- Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
- Postpartum sex and desire
- Postpartum sexual pain
Pelvic floor physical therapy
The program also offers a cash-based group physical therapy class four to six weeks after delivery. The class is led by a specialized physical therapist who is a pelvic floor expert, and it includes educational handouts and supplies to use as you continue with your recovery at home. To get scheduled for this in-person class session, please call 614-293-2001. The class is located in the Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Clinic in Outpatient Care Gahanna, 920 N. Hamilton Road, Suite 400. The cost of the course is $20. Cash/check payments are accepted.
We also offer physical therapy help before you deliver to minimize pelvic floor issues after childbirth.
You can also register online for the Pelvic Floor and Pushing Coordination for Delivery class. This one-hour course teaches pelvic floor relaxation and coordination techniques to help prepare your body for a confident, smoother birth. Cost is $20, and it also takes place in our clinic at Outpatient Care Gahanna.
How can I join S.M.A.R.T. Start to Motherhood?
You can participate in the S.M.A.R.T Start to Motherhood Program by clicking on "Let's go!" when prompted to receive updates on your pregnancy through your MyChart account. Your obstetric provider can help you enroll or can answer questions about the program.