The Role of Physiotherapy During and After Pregnancy

Highlights

• Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in movement and pain management.
• They help improve mobility, relieve pain, and restore function in various conditions.
• During pregnancy, physiotherapy can reduce strain on muscles and joints, helping expectant mothers stay active and comfortable.
• Pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments and muscles, making them more prone to strain. This can lead to discomfort and mobility changes.
• After childbirth, physiotherapy aids recovery and helps restore core strength.

In This Article

• Understanding Physiotherapy
• Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
• Benefits of Physiotherapy After Childbirth
• Common Physiotherapy Techniques
• Recognizing the Need for Physiotherapy
• Pregnancy-Related Conditions Treated with Physiotherapy
• Safety of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
• Finding a Qualified Physiotherapist
• Tools And Assistance

Understanding Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a medical field that focuses on human movement. It uses physical methods to relieve pain, enhance flexibility, and prevent injuries. Physiotherapists diagnose movement issues and create treatment plans to restore function. They may specialize in areas such as sports injuries, pediatrics, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Physiotherapists who focus on women’s health address pregnancy-related conditions and pelvic floor disorders.

Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes physical changes that can lead to discomfort and pain. Many women seek physiotherapy for relief from common pregnancy-related issues.

One of the most common conditions is pelvic girdle pain. This results from hormonal changes and increased pressure on the pelvis. The extra weight of the baby shifts posture and can lead to strain.

Physiotherapy during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of:

• Birth injuries
• Urinary incontinence, which affects many women during and after pregnancy
• Lower back pain, which is common due to posture changes
• Pelvic floor dysfunction, which can cause incontinence and pain
• Pregnancy-related muscle stiffness and joint pain

A physiotherapist can also provide guidance on labor positions. Certain positions can help the baby move into an optimal birth position and ease delivery.

Benefits of Physiotherapy After Childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth stretch muscles and loosen ligaments, especially in the abdomen and pelvic floor. These changes can lead to issues such as bladder problems and back pain. Physiotherapy can help strengthen weakened muscles and improve mobility.

Postpartum physiotherapy can assist with:

• Bladder and bowel control problems
• Pelvic floor weakness, which can affect daily activities
• Abdominal separation, also known as diastasis recti
• Back pain, which is common after childbirth
• Safe return to exercise and sports

Common Physiotherapy Techniques

A physiotherapy session often starts with an assessment. The physiotherapist will ask about pain, mobility issues, and medical history. They may use various techniques to improve movement and reduce discomfort.

Common physiotherapy techniques include:

• Massage and ultrasound therapy
• Joint manipulation for better mobility
• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
• Postural training to prevent strain
• Exercises to strengthen muscles
• Use of supportive belts or compression garments

Physiotherapists also provide education on safe movement during daily activities.

Recognizing the Need for Physiotherapy

Many women assume that discomfort during pregnancy and after childbirth is normal. However, physiotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Signs that you may need physiotherapy include:

• Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
• Persistent lower back or pelvic pain
• Pain or numbness in your hands or wrists
• Weakness in your pelvic floor muscles
• A noticeable gap in your abdominal muscles
• Discomfort when sitting, standing, or moving

A physiotherapist can create a personalized exercise plan to help manage these symptoms.

Pregnancy-Related Conditions Treated with Physiotherapy

Pelvic Girdle Pain

This condition affects many pregnant women. It causes pain in the lower back, hips, and pelvic joints. Physiotherapy can help by strengthening muscles and improving posture.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pregnancy can cause swelling that presses on nerves in the wrist. This leads to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands. Physiotherapy treatments include splinting, gentle exercises, and posture adjustments.

Lower Back Pain

As the baby grows, the spine curves more, leading to back pain. Physiotherapy helps by teaching safe movements and strengthening core muscles.

Diastasis Recti

This is the separation of abdominal muscles due to pregnancy. It can cause a bulging stomach and weak core muscles. Physiotherapy provides exercises to restore strength and function.

Urinary Incontinence

Weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause bladder control issues. Physiotherapy includes targeted exercises to strengthen these muscles and improve function.

Safety of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Physiotherapy is generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained professional. Some women may experience mild soreness after a session. However, treatment plans are designed to be gentle and effective.

A qualified physiotherapist will ensure that exercises and techniques are safe for both mother and baby.

Finding a Qualified Physiotherapist

Many maternity hospitals have physiotherapy departments. You can also find private physiotherapists who specialize in pregnancy and postpartum care. A referral from a healthcare provider is helpful but not always necessary.

When choosing a physiotherapist, consider:

• Their experience with pregnancy-related conditions
• Their qualifications and certifications
• Their approach to treatment and rehabilitation
• Recommendations from other healthcare providers or mothers

Tools And Assistance

There are several tools and forms of assistance that can complement physiotherapy during and after pregnancy:

• Home-based therapy routines for those unable to attend in-person sessions.
• Pelvic floor trainers that provide feedback for proper muscle engagement.
• Maternity support belts that help reduce strain on the back and pelvis.
• Exercise balls and foam rollers for safe stretching and balance training.
• Compression garments to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
• Digital physiotherapy apps that offer guided prenatal and postnatal routines.
• Informational materials such as videos and handouts on proper posture and safe movement.
• Parenting and recovery support groups to share experiences and receive guidance.

Need more information?

Women’s health – Pre and post natal – Choose physio | Australian Physiotherapy Association | Australian Physiotherapy AssociationPregnancy and post-natal (post-baby) issues commonly include pain in the low back, hips, groin and hands, as well as pelvic floor problems such as incontinence and prolapse.Read more on Australian Physiotherapy Association websitePregnancy and exercise – Better Health ChannelUnless you have complications, you should be able to exercise throughout your pregnancy.Read more on Better Health Channel websiteWhat you should know about your pelvic floor: pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and after giving birth | Queensland HealthLearn why you pelvic floor is important before and during pregnancy and after giving birth, with advice from a pelvic floor physiotherapist on how and why to strengthen your pelvic floor.Read more on Queensland Health websitePelvic pain in pregnancySome women develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is sometimes called pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in pregnancy or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websiteSafe return to exercise after pregnancyExercise can help you recover after childbirth, make you stronger and improve mood. Here are some tips on how to exercise safely after a pregnancy.Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websitePregnancy – signs and symptoms – Better Health ChannelAll women experience pregnancy differently, and you will experience different symptoms at different stages of your pregnancy.Read more on Better Health Channel websiteHow endometriosis affects pregnancyWomen with endometriosis can have trouble falling pregnant. Find out more about endometriosis, how it can affect fertility, and the treatment options.Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websiteRound ligament painRound ligament pain is common during second trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms can last from minutes to hours, but rest and stretches help manage pain.Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websiteNeural tube defects: children & teens | Raising Children NetworkNeural tube defects are brain and spinal cord abnormalities, including spina bifida, encephalocele and anencephaly. Folate in pregnancy helps prevent them.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteFetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a range of conditions caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Learn more about FASD here.Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website