How our expert physiotherapist can support you
in Pre and Postnatal Care
Charlotte Elliott - Physiotherapist & Clinical Pilates Instructor
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings about various physical changes in a woman's body. As a physiotherapist, the focus of pre and postnatal care is ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing foetus. The integration of physiotherapy into prenatal and postnatal care plans has proven to be beneficial in managing the physical challenges associated with pregnancy and facilitating a smoother recovery postpartum.
Pre-Natal Care:
1. Antenatal Education: Physiotherapists help educate expectant mothers about the physical changes they will experience during pregnancy. This includes explaining the biomechanics of the changing body, posture, and the importance of pelvic floor exercises.
2. Exercise Prescription: Tailored exercise programs can help pregnant women maintain overall fitness and strengthen specific muscle groups. Physiotherapists can design exercises that address common issues like back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and postural changes. Pelvic floor training is also an important part of exercise prescription.
3. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Antenatal physiotherapy focuses on preparing the pelvic floor muscles for the demands of labour and delivery. Strengthening these muscles can help prevent issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
4. Pain Management: Physiotherapists employ various techniques to manage pain during pregnancy, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, advice on ergonomic changes and support garments when required.
Post-Natal Care:
1. Recovery Exercises: After childbirth, the body undergoes significant changes, and physiotherapists help guide women through postnatal exercises to help restore strength and flexibility. These exercises target the abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and overall postural alignment.
2. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists can assist in the recovery from diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. Specialized exercises are prescribed to gradually close the gap and restore abdominal strength.
3. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Postnatal physiotherapy addresses any issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction that may have arisen during pregnancy or childbirth. This is essential for preventing long-term complications such as urinary incontinence and managing prolapse.
4. Scar Tissue Management: For women who undergo caesarean sections, physiotherapy helps manage scar tissue through gentle massage and mobilization techniques. This aids in preventing adhesions and promoting optimal healing.
5. Return to Exercise Programs: Physiotherapists guide postnatal women in safely returning to regular exercise routines, considering individual recovery timelines and potential complications.
Physiotherapists provide ongoing support throughout the pre and postnatal journey. This includes addressing any musculoskeletal issues that may arise, offering advice on ergonomic changes in daily activities, and helping women navigate the physical challenges of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. Integrating physiotherapy into the standard care plan for pregnancy and postpartum recovery ensures that women are empowered to navigate these transformative stages with confidence and optimal physical health.