Why? Your baby has to exit THROUGH your pelvis! Yep, that bony ring with an inlet the size of a large melon, and an outlet about the size of a….large orange.

Everyone’s pelvis is a bit different. There is NO WAY to know prior to birth how large your pelvic outlet is, how mobile the bones and muscles of your pelvis are, or how your pelvis will respond to labor until you’re in it.

Your OB might take a guess, but unless they have taken Xrays at multiple angles, tested the mobility of your pelvic joints and tested the mobility of your pelvic floor with you relaxing and pushing, it’s just a guess. It’s best not to make a major surgical decision based on a guess, but also don’t be overconfident that birthing will be easy (especially your first time).

Preparing for Stage 1: Stage 1 of labor is that long period BEFORE you start to push. Especially the first time, you don’t know how long it will last or what it will feel like. Your uterus is contracting to gradually dilate your cervix and move baby DOWN. It is usually recommended to stay at home until contractions are close together and quite intense.

Even if you plan to get an epidural, you may be laboring at home for many hours (my first was over 24 hours at home!)

You don’t want to go to the hospital too soon or your chances for unnecessary interventions go up significantly.

The early phase can be long and uncomfortable, but it is much easier if you’re prepared.  You need a plan and tools for laboring at home, and those few hours of hospital classes simply are not enough.  I often recommend a doula or birth prep class for this reason, but pelvic PT can also help!

We can teach you relief strategies including breathing, mobility, positions, and massage techniques. We help you identify any pre-existing areas of tightness that may inhibit your baby’s progress. We empower you to be in control of and confident in your body as it opens for your baby.

Preparing the pelvis means balanced and well-trained muscles, learning to relax and move in a way that helps your body and doesn’t hinder your baby.  Let us help!