Why pregnant women should do physiotherapy

The physical changes to a women’s body as a result of pregnancy are plenty. The center of mass changes, there is more pressure on the organs, and there is increased weight to be carried. All of this in a relatively short span of time often leads to back pain, pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.

Physiotherapy during pregnancy can vastly improve discomfort like back pain and enhance your body’s ability to have an easier and smoother pregnancy and birth. Physiotherapy is not just for recovery. Consider incorporating physiotherapy into your prenatal care too.

A physiotherapist can properly address, treat and educate pregnant women in effective and safe exercises to also increase stability, physical endurance and coordination throughout and after their pregnancy.

Here are some of the reasons why women should visit a physiotherapist in pregnancy:

• Physiotherapists can work with women to help them prepare their bodies for pregnancy including ensuring the body is aligned and ready to carry a baby. If your body is already compensating for previous injuries, pregnancy can add further strain and pain.
• Physiotherapy in pregnancy can also teach women how to correctly perform Kegel exercises which will help strengthen the pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth.
• Kegel exercise consists of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor.
• Pregnancy puts a huge strain on a woman’s body. The physiological changes that come with pregnancy include an increase in body mass, retention of fluid and laxity in supporting structures.
• These changes cause postural adaptations such as an alteration in the loading and alignment of the spine and weight-bearing joints that often cause back and pelvic pain that is associated with pregnancy.
• Core stability training with a physiotherapist is one way to help prevent and treat back pain during and following pregnancy.
• Using their knowledge of the pelvic floor, physiotherapists can help teach women how to push effectively during childbirth. Pushing correctly will reduce the chances of pelvic floor trauma and subsequent problems.
• Throughout pregnancy and labour, a women’s pelvic health can be compromised. Physiotherapists have specific training to assess the muscles, connective tissues and nerves in the pelvic floor.

Some conditions that can arise from trauma to a woman’s pelvic floor include incontinence, pain during intercourse, and pelvic organ relapse.

After a woman has had a baby, an assessment and a plan for rehabilitation will assist in the recovery of her pelvic floor.

At Physio Centers of Africa, we offer a brilliant pregnacare program that is suited to your particular needs and ensures that you have a smooth pregnancy and get your body back in working order after giving birth.

Call 0813 028 0496 today!