Navigating Hypermobility and Perinatal Health with Megan Beach Gomes

In this episode of the Zebra Talks podcast, host Libby Hinsley interviews Megan Beach Gomes, a specialized pelvic health physical therapist focusing on pelvic pain and perinatal care. She discusses her journey into specializing in pelvic health and the importance of physical therapy for pregnant and postpartum individuals, especially those dealing with hypermobility.

Gomes highlights the key role of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy and its effects on the body's mobility, the challenges hypermobile individuals may face during and after pregnancy, and provides practical advice and exercises to help manage symptoms. Gomes emphasizes the need for comprehensive care, including pelvic support belts, specific exercises, and how to deal with issues such as diastasis recti postpartum. She also touches on finding specialized help through resources like the EDS Society, the importance of patient advocacy, and options like telehealth for individuals with limited access to specialized care.

Highlights of this episode include: 

- Welcome to Zebra Talks: Introducing Megan Beach Gomes
- Journey into Pelvic Health: Megan's Story
- Understanding Hypermobility in Pregnancy
- Managing Pregnancy Symptoms for the Hypermobile
- Navigating Labor and Delivery with Hypermobility
- Preparation and Advocacy for Hypermobile Pregnant Persons
- Pregnancy Wellness Tips for the Hypermobile
- Ergonomic Supports for Comfortable Sitting
- Exercise Tips for Pregnancy with Increased Laxity
- Hip Hinge: The Ultimate Exercise for Pregnancy
- Managing Pelvic Girdle Pain with Simple Adjustments
- Postpartum Considerations for the Bendy Population
- Navigating Postpartum Recovery: Scar Care and Core Support
- Addressing Diastasis Recti in Postpartum Recovery
- Preventing and Managing Mommy Thumb Postpartum
- Finding Specialized Perinatal Physical Therapy