​How can physiotherapy help?

​

Physiotherapy works with the integrated systems of the body as it relates to movement, health and wellness. Women’s health and pelvic floor physiotherapists have specific training in how pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period can affect the body and activities of women. They will ask about health history including previous pregnancies and births, movement profile, as well as mental and emotional concerns to get a better sense of how these may influence current complaints or goals for pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

 

Some treatment techniques used may include:

• gentle manual therapy including joint mobilizations, myofascial release and the like

• functional movement modifications and recommendations

• stretching and strengthening exercises

• breathing exercises  + mindfulness/ meditation

• pelvic floor awareness, relaxation and strengthening exercises

• bracing, splinting or compression garment prescription

• referral to other allied healthcare professionals as well as community support resources

 

​

Good to know

 

1. Keep moving: Research supports staying active during pregnancy to keep Mom and baby healthy and fit for labour, birth and recovery. The key is to do what works for you based on pre-pregnancy activity levels, not starting anything new that is very strenuous or high impact. You may need to modify higher impact activities (e.g. running, heavy weightlifting, etc.) as your pregnancy progresses. 

 

2. Kegels are not for everyone: The pelvic floor is always working and sometimes can become too tight or overactive. Especially in preparation for birth, we need the pelvic floor to length and relax to allow baby to deliver, also helping to limit tearing or the need for an episiotomy. Bringing awareness, as well as relaxation and functional strengthening to the pelvic floor can be very helpful. 

 

3. DRA movement precautions: Research has shown that between 66-100% of women by the 3rd trimester have some form of abdominal stretching and/or separation (i.e. “DRA”: diastatic recti abdominis). Limiting the movements that cause midline bulging (e.g. crunching actions like sitting from laying down, as well as laying straight back from seated, leg lifts, etc.) will be important. Note that the midline bulge can happen with different movements for different people. 

 

4. Connect with your breath: Your deep core, including pelvic floor, should work reflexively with your breath. Expanding your inhale (ribcage, belly and chest), and gently blowing with your exhale will enhance the reflexive deep core system. Make sure not to hold your breath especially with lifting or heavier tasks - instead exhale with effort.

 

5. Get assessed before investing: Many women have the belief that a pelvic compression belt will fix all their pelvic girdle aches and pains during pregnancy. However they can be quite expensive and may not be what you need. Find a women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapist to properly determine if bracing will be helpful for you.

 

6. Prevention is key: Even if you are feeling great during pregnancy, learning how to enhance your body’s alignment, mobility, and stability can create more room for baby, balance muscle tension, and provide functional strength to optimize movement during labour and birth, as well as assist in your recovery postpartum. 

​

7. Mental & emotional health can impact the physical: Our entire beings are connected. Physical, mental and emotional stress, dysfunction and aches can influence one another especially during times of change and transition (i.e. pregnancy, birth and parenthood). Being aware of this is the first step to overall health and resiliency. While not mental health care providers, Physiotherapists are trained to assess the whole person (biology, psychology and social) and so are happy to hear your concerns with the ability to refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider and/or resources when needed. 

 

If you are unsure about activities, modifications or any other complaints or symptoms you are having, please consult your physician and/or local women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapist sooner rather than later to ensure a happy and healthy pregnancy, birth and recovery post-partum.