Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

At Renewal, we appreciate that this season is full of transitions for you and baby!

You are not alone! We desire to prepare you for the new phase of life, inside out.

Prenatal Care

Expecting now? Congratulations!

Building a baby is HARD WORK! Pregnancy causes many changes in your body. As it stretches to accommodate your baby’s growth, it can be uncomfortable and even painful. Some common complaints during pregnancy include:

Low Back Pain
Hip Pain
Pelvic Instability
Sciatica
Rib Pain
Postural Changes
Round Ligament Pain
Incontinence
Coccyx Pain

As a mother of 3, Dr. Elizabeth has experienced many of these symptoms and knows firsthand how to help! Physical therapy can reduce your pain, prevent symptoms from becoming chronic, and keep you at your physical best during this incredible time.

We can help you with issues associated with pregnancy with corrective exercise and stretching!  Exercises to help you relax your pelvic floor and strengthen your core muscles will help with delivery and should improve your birthing process and recovery. Perineal massage before the birthing process significantly reduces your risk of episiotomy tears.

Our goal is a healthy mama and a healthy baby!

The activities are scalable – so you pace yourself and still benefit. We want to empower you to move into motherhood safely!

Sessions can be provided both in person or virtually.

  • Earl Wicker
    Today was my 7th visit. I never thought I would ever be without the burning, stinging, forever-cold toes. Those that said nothing could be done were wrong. Go to [Dr. Harvey]; you have nothing to lose except the pain you don’t want anyway.
    Earl Wicker
  • Darrin
    I have been in pain for two years. The doctors told me there was nothing else they could do to help me. I also just got over COVID pneumonia. Dr. Harvey recommended the red-light treatment for the neuropathy and I was able to stand for the first time without pain in two years! I could feel the pain going away during the treatment. I am not coughing anymore either. Thank you for bringing this to our community
    Darrin
  • J.
    I reached out to Elizabeth due to concerns of incontinence. I was aware of her experience and knowledge of pelvic floor dysfunction. She was fantastic in breaking this problem down for me as well as recommending manageable and feasible strategies to address this problem. Today I no longer have this concern! I’m so happy I reach out to her as this was really affecting my quality of life.
    J.
  • Tamara A.
    I am currently pregnant and reached out to Elizabeth for guidance regarding my diastasis recti and SI joint dysfunction. Elizabeth and I conducted a telehealth visit. The visit went very smoothly, without complications. Elizabeth is a very dedicated, patient, professional and compassionate Physical Therapist. She listened intently and explained her treatment plan thoroughly. I highly recommend Elizabeth! Thank you so much for your help and recommendations!
    Tamara A.

Postpartum Care

After delivery, everyone’s focus is on the baby. Our job is to focus on YOU! Your body will go through many changes after delivery.

Pelvic Rehab
Pelvic rehab can prevent incontinence, prolapse, and/or sexual dysfunction. Your baby’s growth stretches and weakens the pelvic floor muscles, and you may experience tearing with delivery. These muscles should be treated like other muscle groups when injured. It is essential to regain strength and restore proper length so that you may safely return to activity, exercise, and care for your newborn.
Diastasis Recti
We are also ready to help with abdominal wall separation (diastasis recti). Appropriate exercises and support can help decrease your risk for pelvic floor dysfunction.
C-Section Births
Cesarean births can also take a toll on your pelvic floor, so addressing scar tissue is important with these births. Pubic symphysis pain, tailbone pain, painful intercourse, incontinence, and adhesions may be present postpartum.

 

What to Expect for Evaluation

Please write down all your questions before you come.
We want you to understand your body and the road to recovery!

Your therapist will ask you questions about your symptoms. Your posture, balance, back and hip motion, pelvic alignment, and scar integrity will be examined. The anatomy of the pelvis will be explained using an anatomical model. After talking about what you are experiencing, you will be given privacy to undress from the waist down, lie on an examination table, and cover yourself with a sheet.

Your evaluation is as individual as your treatment plan. We want you to know you are in control of the extent of the process! External and internal examinations are ways to fully determine what structures are impacting your health and wellness.

Your therapist will examine the perineum (the area covered by your underwear) and possibly perform a vaginal and/or rectal exam. This is only done with your consent but can provide vital information to create your Plan of Care. Once this part of the exam is finished, your therapist will give you privacy to dress. The findings will be explained, recommendations to meet your goals, and the therapist will answer any questions you have.

 
Dr. Elizabeth G. Harvey, DPT

Dr. Harvey is a native of Berkeley County who has been serving patients for over 20 years. She is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Dr. Harvey specializes in women’s health, pelvic floor rehabilitation, neuropathy reversal, and orthopedic rehabilitation using a holistic, individualized approach. She is the mother of three boys and understands firsthand the challenges that accompany the blessing of childbearing. Let me use a lifetime of skills and knowledge to help you live well!