Core and stomach muscles
For a stomach that feels soft, a middle that feels weak or a back that tires.
During pregnancy the muscles of your stomach stretch and the line between them widens. A physical therapist checks how they work together now, shows you how to use them and plans a way to build back up that suits your day.
What we do
Check how your stomach muscles share the work
Teach breathing and gentle activation to start with
Build up lifting, carrying and exercise in steps
Show you how to hold, lift and feed the baby with less strain
This care is for you if
Your stomach feels soft, domed or separated
You feel weak or unsteady through the middle
Your back tires when you carry or feed the baby
You are not sure which exercises to avoid
What a visit looks like
How long
A first visit is about an hour with a physical therapist. Bring the questions on your mind, and the baby if you have one.
Who treats you
A physical therapist, from your first visit to your last. You can ask for Ayse, Nohemi or Yen by name.
What we do
We look at how your stomach muscles and breathing work together, teach a few things to start with and show you how to build on them.
What decides how many visits
How your body responds, what you want to be able to do, and how often you can practice at home. We talk it through and change the plan when you do.
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, a sudden severe headache or pain, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a fall with a head injury needs emergency care now. Call 911.
Questions about this care
What is a separation of the stomach muscles?
It is a widening of the line between the two sides of your stomach muscles, common in and after pregnancy. A physical therapist checks it and shows you what to do about it.
Do I need to stop all exercise?
Not always. We tell you what suits your body now, and what to leave for later.
Can I come years after the birth?
Yes. People come at all stages, and the first visit works the same way.