Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period take a serious toll on your body. One amazing tool to help your body navigate these changes, prepare for childbirth, and recover afterward is physical therapy.
I saw a physical therapist before and after having my third baby, and I highly recommend it! I could feel my third pregnancy taking a bigger toll on my body than my others, especially my abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. I wanted to prepare for birth and recover quickly afterward. My physical therapist helped with all of that and more!
I saw my physical therapist twice before labor, and she gave me great stretches to do to prepare my body for labor, including perineal massage instructions. After labor, I saw my physical therapist weekly for a few months to help my body recover from labor. We worked on breathing exercises and posture to help pull my ab muscles back together and strengthen my pelvic floor, as well as internal massage to release muscles that were tight after childbirth. I reconnected with my changing body and strengthened muscles that had weakened during pregnancy and childbirth.
Thank you to Lovelace Health System for sponsoring this guide.
Expecting a baby is an exciting and life-changing journey. Lovelace would like to make your experience as memorable and stress-free as possible by helping you navigate your healthcare. No matter your insurance or birthing plan, our Labor of Love program offers you access to no-cost pregnancy perks and assistance finding a provider or insurance.
When it comes time to deliver, you can expect exceptional, comfortable, and convenient care. Throughout labor and delivery at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, new parents stay in one of our private birthing suites. Equipped with the latest technology, each room is designed for a relaxed and comfortable birthing experience.
In the event your baby is born prematurely or needs special care, our state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is here to serve you. Our on-site NICU offers 24/7 skilled medical and nursing staff who care for infants as young as 23 weeks of gestation in a quiet, home-like environment.
We are excited to be part of your prenatal care and delivery so that your experience is as safe, healthy, and pleasant as possible.
For more information on our Lovelace birthing services, call 505-727-7677.
Why physical therapy?
During your pregnancy, so many changes occur that affect your musculoskeletal system. Your posture changes, your muscles shorten, your abdominal muscles separate, you may have muscle imbalances, and your spinal mobility changes. After birth, fluctuating hormone levels combined with additional physical changes as a result of delivery may also result in musculoskeletal concerns, a weak core and pelvic floor, back pain, tearing during childbirth, and more.
A great option for working through this is physical therapy, regardless of vaginal delivery or a Cesarean section. Physical therapy can help with back pain, pelvic floor function, core weakness, and even scar tissue and pain.
Here are some prenatal and postpartum physical therapy resources in the Albuquerque area.
Ascension Physio
4425 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Suite 101
Albuquerque, NM 87111
ATI Physical Therapy
Multiple locations across the Albuquerque area.
Balanced Physical Therapy
Multiple locations across the Albuquerque area.
Holistic Pelvic Health
5910 Cubero Dr NE, Suite C
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Langford Physical Therapy
Two locations in the Albuquerque area.
Medusa Pelvic Health & Wellbeing
120 Aliso Dr SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Method Physical Therapy
Located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
NM Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
10151 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 2C
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Sacred Roots Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy
6931 4th St NW
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107
The Village Motherhood Company
The Village offers occasional classes on pelvic health, including pelvic preparation for labor and Pelvic Floor 101.
6200 Coors Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Trailhead Physical Therapy
3650 Corrales Rd, Suite H
Corrales, NM 87048
You don’t have to be in pain throughout your pregnancy and afterward. Let someone help you so that you can celebrate your baby and enjoy your pregnancy and the postpartum period and all of the beautiful changes that they bring.
For more pregnancy and postpartum resources, make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy & Postpartum in the Albuquerque Area.
