Even if you’ve had a baby, every pregnancy is a new experience, and your body may change in ways that it didn’t during previous pregnancies. There’s lots of things to consider when you fall pregnant, and how you continue to move while you’re growing is a big one; we’re often asked, is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?
Your body will start to feel different from when you conceive your baby, and preparing for the physical changes at each stage will help you through your pregnancy. A physiotherapist can help you understand the changes, prepare your body for birth, and ensure a safe and speedy recovery.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy during pregnancy?
A physiotherapist manages musculoskeletal and pelvic floor-related issues associated with pregnancy. They understand the changes your body is going through and how best to support you. Along with the benefits outlined below, they’ll reassure you that physiotherapy is safe during pregnancy.
A physiotherapist will give you advice
One of the main benefits of seeing a physiotherapist during pregnancy is the advice and support they provide. Together, you can work through the aches and pains you may be experiencing and create a tailored exercise plan for you as you and your baby grow.
Exercising during pregnancy is safe and essential but may feel more challenging as your body changes. You may not be able to do the same exercises you did before, and it may be important to focus on strengthening specific areas. During pregnancy, physiotherapy can provide practical ways to continue moving through your pregnancy and peace of mind that you are moving safely and supportedly.
Physiotherapists can help:
- Maintain and improve your mobility
- Strengthen your pelvic floor
- Decrease discomfort from your body shifting to make room for your baby.
- Improve your core strength
- Reduce the risk of birth injuries or a complicated delivery
- Help you train your “pushing technique” in preparation for childbirth
Physiotherapists can help support specific pregnancy-related conditions
There are also common pregnancy-related conditions that physiotherapists are trained to treat, such as;
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Urinary incontinence
Seeing a physiotherapist during your pregnancy will help your postpartum recovery
There are plenty of things to do in preparation for your baby’s arrival, and making a pregnancy physiotherapy appointment should be on your list. It’s an investment in a healthy and safe delivery and swift recovery.
Along with providing expert advice, reducing pain and treating specific conditions, pregnancy physiotherapy before giving birth will help your postpartum recovery. Your physio will prepare your body for birth and then be able to support your recovery. After childbirth, the guidelines recommend a pelvic floor checkup, and your physio can also help with a postpartum exercise plan when you’re ready.
Can I do physiotherapy during pregnancy?
Can I do physiotherapy during pregnancy? This is a common question, and it’s natural to wonder what is safe to do while pregnant.
You must consult your doctor about seeing a physio during pregnancy; they have advised it’s a good idea.
Physiotherapy is safe during pregnancy as long as:
- Your physio is a registered, licensed professional
- Your pregnancy is not considered high-risk
- If an internal assessment is deemed relevant, your physiotherapist will screen you for any risk factors but know that, in normal pregnancies, an internal assessment with a physiotherapist is safe and incurs no risks to you and the foetus/ baby.
What should you expect from your physiotherapy appointment?
Physionorth physiotherapists can help
- You manage the changes in your body
- Prepare you for the birth
- Help you with any pelvic floor-related concerns you may experience after childbirth.
They understand the significant changes in your body and will work with you to keep your body strong and alleviate any aches, pains and pelvic floor concerns you have.
During an appointment with your physio, they may:
- Stretch and massage any tense or tight muscle areas
- Demonstrate and support pregnancy-safe exercises
- Suggest pregnancy a massage and explain the benefits of massage during pregnancy
- Provide advice on pregnancy aids like compression pants and support belts
- Show you ways to move that won’t exacerbate previous injuries
- An internal assessment may be necessary for pelvic floor preparation for childbirth, perineal massage or treatment of pelvic floor-related concerns.
- Create an exercise program that will help strengthen your body and pelvic floor.
Why choose Physionorth?
If you’re still wondering if physiotherapy is safe during pregnancy, our physiotherapists are the best to reassure you.
Physionorth’s standard appointment times are longer because we approach your treatment differently. We rely less on machines and more on thoughtful and careful methodology.
Our physiotherapists are trained and experienced professionals passionate about continence and women’s health. They are skilled physiotherapists who love helping people experience their best possible pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. Get in touch to make an appointment today.
*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Physionorth can consult you to confirm if this advice is right for you.