Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Why Pregnant Women Should Visit a Physiotherapist? 

It is common for ladies to visit a physiotherapist during pregnancy. The therapy focuses on reducing joint stress and strain to minimize pain and discomfort. For instance, pelvic girdle and lower back pain are some common musculoskeletal conditions in pregnancy, and a customized physiotherapy plan can help alleviate pressure, resulting in pain relief. Besides, the technique may reduce the risk of birth trauma, urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Your physiotherapist may ask about your health conditions and recommend specific exercises and treatment plans. Ultrasound, joint manipulation, massage, muscle stretching, and compression stockings are some popular physiotherapy techniques to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience. Furthermore, specific exercises and techniques targeting specific muscles build strength and prepare the body for a safe and risk-free delivery. 

Are There Any Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy?

Physiotherapy in pregnancy can assist in multiple ways. It comes up with an array of advantages to tackle the related distresses, such as low back pain, urinary incontinence (involuntary urination), and pelvic pain.Physiotherapy in pregnancy can assist in multiple ways. From improving mobility to managing pain and discomfort during pregnancy, physiotherapy is one of the reliable options for all. It provides an array of advantages including:-

Regaining Muscle Strength

During pregnancy, the body produces high amounts of relaxin, especially in the second trimester, to prevent damage. It prepares the body for childbirth; however, excess relaxin may weaken muscles such as rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles). This can lead to belly softening, hip pain, backache, and painful trunk bending while lifting objects. To tackle these, there are multiple exercises, like abdominal breathing, that you can learn from a qualified physiotherapist to strengthen your core muscles. 

Reducing Back Pain 

As discussed above, physiotherapy during pregnancy can help relieve back pain, which can occur due to posture changes that push pressure on the spine. Your growing womb can shift the spine alignment, which may result in pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. Your physical therapist can alleviate pain by guiding you safe exercises and using spinal manipulation techniques to strengthen your muscles. Plus, these methods can assist in correcting your posture when you are pregnant. 

Controlling Urinary Incontinence

In pregnancy, urinary incontinence or involuntary urine flow is common because of weak pelvic floor muscles. Also, you might have observed pregnant ladies experiencing an increased urge for urine release. This is due to increased blood flow in the body, which increases the filtration and urine formation rate. Sometimes, increased urination and weak pelvic floor muscles lead to involuntary urine release, where the pregnant woman is unable to control the urination urge. But the good news is that physiotherapy exercises during pregnancy, like Kegel exercises, help strengthen muscles around the vagina to control involuntary urination. 

Easing Labor and Delivery 

While your pregnancy journey might be smooth, giving birth to a fully full-grown baby requires strength for easy childbirth. Your doctor may ask you to improve your body strength and flexibility and stay physically active during the tenure. Your physiotherapist can teach you certain exercises and workouts to prepare for labor and delivery.

Boosting Postpartum Recovery 

Labor is a major event you need to recover from after childbirth to get back to your normal routine. Physiotherapy during pregnancy, including regular muscle training, spinal realignment, workouts, etc., can aid you in building muscle power while reducing recovery time. 

Enhancing Sleep Quality

Pregnant ladies are expected to experience poor sleep quality, lack of sleep, feeling drowsy, and waking up at night frequently. One of the reasons could be changing posture and finding a comfortable position to sleep in. You may struggle with getting a cozy position that could relax your body. Here’s when your physiotherapist can help you know how to sleep comfortably during pregnancy. He or she can teach you to sleep in specific positions that reduce body stress or use different kinds of pillows and mattresses that provide maximum comfort. 

In addition, physiotherapy techniques, including physical activities, provide psychological benefits such as managing stress and depression while improving the quality of life. As per NCBI research, regular physical activity contributes to enhanced physical and psychological health [3]. 

Side Effects of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Physiotherapy in pregnancy is generally a safe practice; however, you must avoid practicing incorrect techniques to refrain from complications [4]. It’s suggested to perform physio techniques and exercises under supervision to get the most out of your therapy sessions. Sometimes, you may experience temporary discomfort after specific massage techniques or targeted muscle exercises; nevertheless, your physiotherapist will train you to manage these to ensure optimum health. 

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Other than physiotherapy, there are various other options available for managing pregnancy symptoms, including low back pain. These include acupuncture, water gymnastics, osteopathic manual therapy, and yoga [5]. Also, getting proper sleep and fixing your diet can help you cope with pregnancy and postpartum discomfort. It’s a good idea to consult a certified healthcare provider to ease your pregnancy journey. 

How Physiotherapy Helps During Pregnancy? 

There are endless ways physiotherapy can simplify pregnancy and manage related symptoms. With the correct physiotherapy plan, the practice can alleviate various issues, such as joint pain, muscle stiffness, mobility loss, spasms, etc. Besides, physiotherapy during pregnancy can even tackle problems, including nausea and heartburn, that may occur due to improper digestion [6]. Your physiotherapist can help you learn some effective exercises to improve digestion and relieve the related problems. 

Physiotherapy during pregnancy is a crucial practice for any pregnant woman who wishes to live a balanced and healthy life. After all, it brings relaxation and comfort while ensuring a safe and easy pregnancy. However, as a soon-to-be mother, you need to visit a renowned and certified physiotherapist and follow the correct treatment plan to make your efforts worthwhile.

 FAQ’s 

1. When Should I Start Physiotherapy During Pregnancy?

Most pregnant women begin their physiotherapy sessions during the first trimester. The physiotherapist slowly progresses with the treatment plan as the months add up.

2. Does A Physio Help With Pregnancy Back Pain?

Yes, specific physiotherapy techniques, including exercises and postural alignment, recommended by a certified physio can help with pregnancy low back pain.

3. Who Should Not Practice Physical Activity During Pregnancy? 

Although exercising is safe, women with severe anaemia, lung diseases, chronic cardiac conditions, or other health complications must seek a professional’s help before exercising. 

References 

1. The efficacy of physiotherapy for the prevention and treatment of prenatal symptoms: a systematic review [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25822028/]
2. Physiotherapy Exercises During Antenatal And Postnatal [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282904831]
3. Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Pregnancy-Related Outcomes among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571580/]
4. Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/21679169.2013.861509]
5. Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities  [https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aogs.12681]
6. Effectiveness of Manual Treatment on Pregnancy Symptoms: Usefulness of Manual Treatment in Treating Pregnancy Symptoms [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5911176/]