A pelvic floor PT’s Pregnancy Favorites
Donna here! As I head toward the end of my pregnancy, I’ve been reflecting on some of the things that genuinely helped me feel supported, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Pregnancy can feel overwhelming (especially when you’re juggling work, family, symptoms, and all the unknowns), so I thought I’d share a few favorites and resources that made a big difference for me this time around.
While I love a good product, this list is more about resources (only 1 product listed!) that I felt were truly helpful for me during this second pregnancy.
Pelvic floor PT (of course!)
What kind of pelvic floor PT would I be if I didn’t go to our clinic during pregnancy? I started having some pelvic heaviness during my second trimester, and working with Dr. Olga made such a difference. It improved so much that I didn’t experience it at all in my third trimester.
In-person movement
Taking classes at JPPilates in Charlestown has been such a highlight of this pregnancy. Every instructor offered thoughtful pregnancy modifications, and there was almost always another pregnant person in class too, which made it feel even more supportive. I can't wait for Jenn's mom-and-baby classes and stroller bootcamp postpartum!
Mental Health Therapy
This pregnancy had a hard start for me emotionally. I was navigating grief and some personal challenges that left me feeling in a pretty dark place for a while. Finding a therapist was harder than I expected, but I ended up using the platform Alma to find a therapist who specialized in what I was looking for, and I’m so grateful I did. Having that support throughout pregnancy has been incredibly grounding, and I’m really glad to already have that support in place postpartum.
The world’s least cute but most comfortable bra
The Neiwai Barely Zero Strap Bra deserves a mention because comfort matters!! I wore these postpartum after my first pregnancy, kept wearing them between pregnancies, and basically only wore these throughout this pregnancy. Not the cutest bra I own, but definitely the most comfortable (I can nap in it!?)
Strength training
I continued weekly strength training at JET Boston for most of my pregnancy, and I’m really glad I did! To be honest, my first trimester was rough, with lots of nausea, reflux, and fatigue, and I definitely didn’t feel like I was “progressing.” But staying consistent helped me maintain strength and mobility, and the accountability of showing up each week mattered. There were many days I didn’t want to go, but I always left feeling better.
Perinatal chiropractic care
I saw Emma at Ember Chiropractic for some stubborn right-sided SI joint pain, and she helped so much. She also helped with adjustments to create more space for baby to be in an optimal position.
Massage + lymphatic drainage
This summer heat has been no joke, and the swelling has been brutal (I haven’t seen my ankles in weeks at this point). Seeing Anna Scire for massage and lymphatic drainage has made me feel a million times lighter and reduces my swelling so much - my ankles and hands are so thankful!
Online movement
This is one I recommend to patients all the time, and I also personally walked the walk. On the days I wanted to move but didn’t have time to make it to a group class, Kara Duval’s platform, Range, was perfect. I love that there are pregnancy-specific classes and you can filter workouts based on 'how you want to feel' that day.
Acupuncture
Johnston Family Acupuncture has been part of my support system since fertility treatments before my first pregnancy, and they’ve continued to be such an important part of my care through both pregnancies. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and have helped me so much along the way.
Prioritizing quality time
One of the biggest realizations I had this pregnancy was that I was starting to go through the motions. Between daycare drop-off, work, dinner, bedtime, and the endless toddler routines, I was feeling burned out. While during my first pregnancy I could nap or have some quiet time to myself, that's impossible with a toddler.
I noticed myself saying no to plans or bailing because it felt easier, but that wasn’t helping either. Whether it was date night, book club, dinner with friends, or even a little staycation, stepping outside the routine and reconnecting with my husband, family and friends made a huge difference for my mental health.
Pregnancy support doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, and I definitely wasn’t doing all of these things every single week. Some of these helped me through specific phases or challenges of pregnancy, while others were consistent supports along the way. But together, they made a big difference for me this time around. I hope that if you’re pregnant, some of these resources feel helpful for you too!
At Foundations Pelvic Health, our pelvic floor physical therapists help so many through pregnancy and help talk you through the ins and outs of labor and delivery. Our practice loves to support mamas-to-be throughout all the trimesters, as well as through postpartum recovery.
Hi! We are Boston’s pelvic floor physical therapy experts specializing in all things bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction & pregnancy and postpartum specialists.
If you’re struggling or have questions about preparing for labor and delivery, we’d love to help you at Foundations Pelvic Health - located in the South End of Boston, MA.