The importance of pelvic floor relaxation in third trimester of pregnancy - Guest Blog- Jenny Clark of Mellow Mummas

So, you're in your third trimester of pregnancy. Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it can also be a little bit overwhelming. Your body is changing rapidly and you may be feeling more uncomfortable than ever before.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support the organs in your pelvis, including the bladder and uterus. These muscles and tissues go through a lot during pregnancy with the weight of baby, the physical changes to our body, changes in our lifestyle.

During a vaginal delivery as baby moves down the birth canal their head reaches the pelvic floor and the tone of the muscles at that point help baby to tuck their chin which means the presenting area of their head is at the smallest diameter. As baby continues to travel down the pelvic floor muscles need to yield to baby and literally move out the way. Parts of the pelvic floor tissues and muscles stretch up to 200% during a vaginal delivery!

Throughout pregnancy we should be both encouraging strength and relaxation of the pelvic floor. Then after approx. week 35 begin focusing on relaxation. Holding tension in the pelvic floor can impact babies entrance into the world and impact your pelvic floor in post partum.

Check out this free download and movement practice Click here to access the link to help relax the pelvic floor in the later days of pregnancy. The download if packed full of tips and ideas and the class will guide you in a variety of movement patterns, exercises and stretches. It is 20 minutes that have the potential to really impact your birth.

Find out more about all of Jenny's amazing work and support she offers by clicking here