Pregnancy and Physiotherapy
- Admin
- 23-12-2023
- Pregnancy and Physiotherapy
“Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.” -– Harriette Hartigan
Pregnancy is one of nature’s very own miracles, and while it is exciting to be expecting your little bundle of joy, most women suffer some severe strain on their bodies due to pregnancy that can wear on them and the baby. Physiotherapy can help alleviate some of the common aches and pains women experience during pregnancy and can also help the mother’s body to adjust better to the changes occurring in her body.
The most common pain experienced during pregnancy is back pain, which is caused by an increase in hormones, weight gain, change in the body’s centre of gravity and additional stress. All these symptoms cause many women to experience exhaustion which in turn leads to inactivity and therefore leaves the body vulnerable to experience chronic pains throughout pregnancy that may continue post-partum.
Why should you consult a physiotherapist during pregnancy?
- A physiotherapist can screen pregnant patients in order to ensure they are able to participate in exercise programs safely for both mother and baby.
- A physiotherapist is able to assess posture, strength, balance and musculoskeletal issues in order to provide safe and individualized instruction on exercise and education during pregnancy.
What do we really do in Pre-Natal Physiotherapy?
- Physiotherapy during pregnancy can help women:
- Prevent and or minimize strain and pain on their body by educating them about postural changes that occur during pregnancy and teaching them strategies to manage the stress that is placed on the body due to these postural changes.
- Learn proper Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and avoid those embarrassing sneeze and pee moments.
- Increase back, lower extremity and pelvic strength, which reduces back pain, pelvic pain and joint strain.
why do we do Post-Partum Physiotherapy?
Labour is traumatising, emotionally and physically and can leave your body strained, and fatigued causing low back and pelvic pain, and incontinence. Physiotherapy can help by teaching you proper rehabilitation exercises and help you strengthen your body for a better and healthier you!