Pregnancy Physical Therapy in Des Moines & Iowa City

Ease Pregnancy Symptoms & Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor With Physical Therapy at Breathe.

Whether you’re expecting your first child or your fourth, Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness is ready to stand by your side and help you feel strong and confident for an empowered birth. Our trained physical therapists are able to help you stay active for longer, connect with your pelvic floor muscles for an easier delivery, and bring relief for all of the aches and pains that come with the pregnancy journey. We know that women’s bodies are designed to birth babies, and we’re here to support you through every stage of pregnancy.

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Helping Iowa Women With Common Pregnancy issues:

Discomfort is a common experience during pregnancy. However, it’s not always normal. Many of the issues that women face during pregnancy are treatable through physical therapy. We’re prepared to support you through these symptoms and more:

Back, shoulder, buttock or rib discomfort or pain
Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Sciatica
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Headaches
Lower abdominal/groin pain
Round ligament pain
Tight hips
Bladder control, pants peeing, and bladder leaking

Our care doesn’t stop when you deliver, either! Our team also offers a wide range of postpartum physical therapy services to support your body’s recovery after a vaginal or c-section birth.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pregnant Women

Women come to Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness for many reasons during their pregnancy. The benefits of pregnancy physical therapy at Breathe. include:

Help with lying on your side or rolling over in bed
The ability to walk, stand, sit, and exercise for extended periods of time
Comfort with working throughout your pregnancy
Increased mobility to live an energetic, vibrant, and active life
Getting — and staying — stronger for a fearless birth

Pregnant young woman doing prenatal yoga. Warrior One pose

Our Unique Approach to Pregnancy Physical Therapy

Pregnancy can bring a lot of doctor’s appointments along with it. At Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness, our staff are here to give you a completely different experience. You’ll meet one-on-one in a private room, not a big gym space, with one of our licensed doctors in physical therapy who is focused on listening to your unique needs, goals, and progress. Our spa-like environment is always warm, welcoming, and calm, and our staff is focused on your wellbeing and putting you at ease. We’ll work with you to review your medical needs and evaluate your posture, mobility, and more to put together a personalized plan. This plan could include:

Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Therapeutic stretches
Pilates-based strengthening
Posture correction
Education, and more!

Explore Breathe.'s Pregnancy Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy

When Should I Begin Physical Therapy During Pregnancy?

You can begin prenatal physical therapy at any time. The earlier you begin, the earlier we are able to begin working on exercises and techniques to support your body as it experiences the many changes associated with pregnancy. We generally recommend clients begin coming in as soon as symptoms start appearing.

What Should I Expect During My First Pregnancy Physical Therapy Appointment?

When you visit Breathe.’s West Des Moines or North Liberty location, you’ll find a relaxing environment where you can feel seen and heard. You’ll meet individually with a PT who will look over your medical history, ask questions about your pregnancy, and learn about your personal goals. Then, we’ll conduct some non-invasive assessments to evaluate areas like posture, mobility, and more to help us come up with a treatment plan to get you where you want to be! If your concerns are related to your pelvic floor, we may check the condition of your pelvic floor muscles with an internal assessment.

Can Physical Therapy Help Me Have an Easier Delivery?

Yes! Our physical therapists will help you coordinate your pelvic floor muscles and learn techniques that will help you during the birthing process. We offer a special four-visit Birth Prep Bundle for women who want to make sure their body is ready for delivery, even if they don’t have specific physical complaints. We also have resources available to help prepare you for either a vaginal or planned c-section birth.

We’re Ready to Help You on Your Pregnancy Journey. Contact Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness Today!

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