As your baby continues to grow, more stress is placed on your pelvic floor region, which may cause pressure especially in the last trimester.  Also as lightening (dropping of the baby toward the end of pregnancy) occurs, pelvic ligaments stretch and the baby's head sits lower onto the pelvic floor structures.  Local compression of nerves and blood vessels can compromise the area, causing symptoms of pain, pressure and fatigue.  If the pelvic floor muscles are weakened or overstretched due to previous pregnancies and deliveries, they may not be adequate to support this downward pressure.  If additional loading to the area occurs due to carrying heavier loads, prolonged coughing, or vigorous exercises, the ligaments supporting the bladder, uterus and rectum can weaken, causing organ prolapse.

Physical therapy treatment can help you to protect this area, and strengthen weak core/pelvic floor muscles.  The use of external supports and postures can reduce load on the area until delivery.  Physical therapy can then help to restore strength and integrity of the region during the postpartum period.

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