Breathing and bracing while pregnant

[matty_24]

What is the recommend breathing and bracing strategy while pregnant, post partum, or with a prolapse? I often hear the valsalva should be avoided, if this is the case what protocol should these women follow when lifting? Is breath holding of any duration potentially dangerous during pregnancy? Should these women brace hard then release a certain perceived amount of pressure before lifting? Seems like pelvic floor health is a hot topic these days. Thanks for any guidance!!

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

What is the recommend breathing and bracing strategy while pregnant, post partum, or with a prolapse? I often hear the valsalva should be avoided, if this is the case what protocol should these women follow when lifting? Is breath holding of any duration potentially dangerous during pregnancy? Should these women brace hard then release a certain perceived amount of pressure before lifting? Seems like pelvic floor health is a hot topic these days. Thanks for any guidance!!

Matty,

Thanks for the post. A few points:

Here are the general exercise guidelines we suggest for pregnant women: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/21/1339

For post-partum, there aren't really any specific restrictions unless the pregnancy was complicated in a manner that requires special management after delivery, i.e. Cesarean section. The surgeon and patient should have a conversation about what type(s) of activity she is cleared for and timelines to unrestricted exercise.

Prolapse isn't really specific enough of a diagnosis, as many things can prolapse. It depends on the actual diagnosis and the nature of the issue. That said, the Valsalva is relatively unavoidable during any type of somewhat strenuous task, i.e. a 20 rep set @ RPE 7 or higher or a heavy set of 5 reps.

I don't think I would counsel anyone on a specific bracing technique based on anything you've listed here.

Another point, 'pelvic floor health" is a made up term - similar to "gut health" and "spine health"- they are all meaningless.