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Women’s Health Physio During Pregnancy

Friday, 27th September 2024

Seeing the Benefits

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also be a time of physical and emotional changes that challenge your body in new ways. While routine check-ups with your obstetrician or midwife are crucial, many expectant mothers are discovering the added benefits of seeing a Women’s Health physiotherapist. Here’s why incorporating a physiotherapy visit into your prenatal care can make a world of difference for you and your baby.

Understanding Women’s Health Physiotherapy

Women’s Health physiotherapy focuses on addressing and managing conditions related to female physiology, the reproductive system and pelvic health, including those that arise during pregnancy. Women’s Health physiotherapists are trained to handle the unique physical changes that occur during this period and offer tailored advice and treatments to support a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.

1. Relieving Pregnancy-Related Discomfort

As your body changes to accommodate your growing baby, you might experience new kinds of discomfort. Common issues such as lower back pain, pelvic pain as well as wrist and hand pain can significantly impact your quality of life. A Women’s Health physio can provide targeted exercises and manual therapy to alleviate these symptoms, helping you move more comfortably and enjoy your pregnancy more fully.

2. Improving Posture and Body Mechanics

As your belly grows, maintaining good posture becomes increasingly challenging. A change in your posture may exacerbate pain or discomfort. We can offer guidance on how to appropriately and safely strengthen your body to best support you. This includes providing safe core, back and lower limb strength which can reduce strain on your body and ultimately prepare you for the physical demands of birth and best set you up for recovery postpartum.

3. Enhancing Pelvic Floor Health

The pelvic floor can be affected during pregnancy due to the hormonal and postural changes as well as weight of the baby sitting on it. This can in some cases lead to urinary incontinence, pain or dysfunction. Women’s Health physiotherapists are trained in pelvic floor health and can teach you exercises to strengthen these muscles, which can help prevent or manage these common concerns. Knowing how to correctly activate your pelvic floor is important to ensuring that your postpartum recovery is as smooth as possible.

4. Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Physiotherapists can provide you with strategies and exercises that prepare your body for labor and delivery. This includes techniques for managing labor pain, exercises to help optimise fetal positioning, and guidance on breathing and relaxation methods. This includes teaching you how to use techniques such as perineal massage to reduce the likelihood of perineal tearing. A well-prepared body can lead to a more positive birth experience and smoother recovery postpartum.

5. Promoting Faster Postpartum Recovery

The benefits of physio extend beyond pregnancy into the postpartum period. A physiotherapist can assist with recovery by addressing issues like abdominal separation (diastasis recti), pelvic floor dysfunction as well as general strength and conditioning. We can assist in ensuring that you are feeling your best by using massage or dry needling treatment to assist with any postural pain associated with nursing. Our Women’s Health coaches are also trained in assisting with early mastitis treatment by using therapeutic ultrasound. Early intervention can help you return to your pre-pregnancy activities with greater ease and less discomfort.

6. Personalised Care and Support

Every pregnancy is unique, and a Women’s Health physio provides personalised care tailored to your specific needs and concerns. Whether you’re dealing with a particular issue or simply want to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your body, a physiotherapist can offer individualised advice and support throughout your pregnancy journey.

Seeing our Women’s Health coaches during pregnancy can provide a range of benefits, from alleviating discomfort to preparing your body for labour and supporting postpartum recovery. By addressing physical changes proactively and with experienced guidance, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy experience. Prioritise your well-being and give yourself the best start to motherhood by exploring the valuable support that physiotherapy can offer.

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