Pre-natal Physiotherapy

Before the Baby is Born (Ante-Natal)

Physiotherapy during your pregnancy is designed to prevent problems and to treat any aches and pains which occur as the pregnancy progresses.
 

Back Pain in Pregnancy

Physiotherapy during your pregnancy is designed to prevent problems and to treat any aches and pains which occur as the pregnancy progresses. 

• The womb is suspended from the spine by ligaments.

• Pregnancy hormones, soften ligaments holding the pelvic bones together, allowing an easier passage of the baby through the pelvis during the birthing process. This softening of the ligaments may, however, lead to painful instability of pelvic joints, leading to difficulty in walking comfortably.

• As the womb increases in weight, it pulls the spine forwards, altering your centre of gravity and exaggerating the curve in your lower back.

• The abdominal muscles are gradually stretched by the enlarging womb, and the “six pack” muscles (Rectus Abdominis) may separate, providing less support of the spine from muscles in the front.

The Pelvic Floor

The weight of the pregnant womb exerts a downward force on the pelvic floor muscles, which are also weakened by being stretched during the baby’s birth. If not strengthened both during and after the pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles may remain in a weakened state, leading to stress incontinence and possible prolapse of the bladder and womb in later life.

So How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Our physiotherapists will assess any problems and use a combination of manual therapy to restore normal motion to any stiff & painful joints, and exercise to stabilise unstable pelvic joints and maintain strength in the supporting muscles of the spine and pelvic floor. 

What Kind of Exercise is Safe During Pregnancy?

Low impact clinical Pilates based exercises are designed to strengthen the “core” muscles, Transversus Abdominis, Multifidus and the pelvic floor, and modified to be safe during pregnancy, plus stretches to maintain normal flexibility of the spine and hips.

Our physiotherapists are qualified clinical Pilates instructors, and will guide you through a progressive, individually tailored programme of exercise designed both to address your particular problems and aim to prevent problems in the future.