Pregnancy is a journey that brings joy, anticipation, and notable changes to a woman’s body, and the changes can give various discomforts and challenges. Physiotherapy supports women throughout pregnancy and postpartum for a healthy, active, and comfortable phase. In this article, let us explore the importance of physiotherapy in pre and postnatal care, issues, and the specific exercises and treatments for the benefit of expecting and new mothers.
What is the Role of Physiotherapy in Pre and Postnatal Care?
Physiotherapy, a physical therapy, involves physical methods like exercises, massage, and other modalities for healing and well-being. In pre and postnatal care, physiotherapists work with pregnant and postpartum women to handle various physical challenges and prepare the body for childbirth and recovery.
The goals of physiotherapy during pregnancy and postpartum include:
- Managing issues like back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica.
- Helping to maintain proper posture as the body changes and adapts.
- Focusing on core stability, pelvic floor strength, and muscle tone.
- Keeping the body flexible and mobile to reduce stiffness and discomfort.
- Teaching breathing techniques, positions for labor, and exercises for a smoother delivery.
- Assisting muscle tone recovery, addressing diastasis recti (abdominal separation), and managing postpartum discomforts.
What are the Common Physical Challenges During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings some physical changes that can lead to discomfort and pain. Understanding these helps in valuing the role of physiotherapy in managing them.
Lower Back Pain: When the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus shifts the center of gravity, leading to an increased curvature of the lower spine (lordosis). This change strains the back muscles, resulting in lower back pain.
Pelvic Girdle Pain: This condition confines pain in the pelvic joints and can be bothersome by the loosening of ligaments in preparation for childbirth.
Sciatica: The sciatic nerve can become compressed due to the expanding uterus, leading to leg pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Hormonal changes and fluid retention can cause swelling, leading to compression of the wrist median nerve.
Diastasis Recti: The separation of the abdominal muscles due to the growing uterus, leading to a bulge in the midline of the abdomen that affects core strength.
Swelling and Edema: Fluid retention can cause swelling in the legs, feet, and hands, leading to discomfort and less mobility.
Breathing Difficulties: when the uterus expands, it can push against the diaphragm harder to breathe deeply.
How Does Physiotherapy Intervent for Prenatal Care?
Physiotherapy during pregnancy mitigates discomfort, maintains fitness, and prepares the body for childbirth. Below are some common interventions and exercises:
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles supports the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Kegel exercises maintain pelvic floor strength during labor and reduce postpartum incontinence.
Core Stability Exercises: Engaging in gentle core exercises helps abdominal muscle tone and supports the spine. Exercises like pelvic tilts and seated ball exercises are helpful.
Back and Pelvic Support: Physiotherapists often recommend wearing a pelvic support belt to relieve pelvic girdle and back pain. They also have specific exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
Stretching and Flexibility: Stretching exercises maintain flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness. Gentle yoga poses, customized during pregnancy, can be very effective.
Breathing Techniques: Learning proper breathing techniques manages stress and prepares for labor. Diaphragmatic breathing and deep belly breathing during sessions.
Hydrotherapy: Exercising in water reduces the impact on joints and provides a supportive environment for movement. Water aerobics and swimming are excellent options.
Manual Therapy: Physiotherapists may use massage and other manual techniques to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
How Physiotherapy Prepares for Labor and Delivery?
As the due date closes, physiotherapy helps to prepare the body for labor and delivery. Below are some specific techniques and exercises:
Pelvic Mobility Exercises: Gentle rocking on a birthing ball, pelvic tilts, and hip circles help in pelvic mobility and reduce discomfort.
Labor Positions: Physiotherapists can teach various labor positions to ease pain and facilitate birthing. Positions like squatting, kneeling, and side-lying in advance.
Perineal Massage: This technique involves gentle stretching of the perineal tissues to prepare for childbirth by reducing the risk of tearing.
Visualization and Relaxation: Guided imagery and relaxation techniques can help with labor pain and anxiety.
What is Postnatal Physiotherapy: Supporting Recovery?
The postpartum period, or the fourth trimester, is a time for recovery. Physiotherapy addresses various postnatal issues and helps new mothers regain their strength and function.
- Continuing pelvic floor exercises postpartum restores strength and prevents issues like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Physiotherapists can provide specific exercises to help close the abdominal separation and restore core strength.
- New mothers often adopt poor postures. Physiotherapy can help in retraining proper posture and reducing related pain.
- For women undergone a cesarean section, physiotherapists can provide techniques for scar management, including massage and mobilization.
- Gradually reintroducing strength training exercises helps to regain muscle tone and fitness. Start with low-impact exercises and progress gradually.
- Postpartum women may experience back pain, neck pain, and other discomforts. Physiotherapists can provide tailored exercises and treatments to relieve these issues.
- Proper positioning and support during breastfeeding prevent musculoskeletal pain. Physiotherapists offer advice on ergonomics and posture.
What are the Psychological Benefits of Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy’s impact on mental health during and after pregnancy is Positive. Exercise and physical activity release endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. It also provides a sense of control and empowerment crucial during the transformative phases of pregnancy and postpartum.
How to Include Physiotherapy in Prenatal and Postnatal Care?
Physiotherapy in prenatal and postnatal care involves collaboration between healthcare providers, physiotherapists, and the expecting or new mother. Here are some steps to ensure an integration:
- Pregnant women should have an initial check with a physiotherapist early in their pregnancy to identify any pre-existing conditions or potential issues.
- Scheduling regular physiotherapy sessions throughout pregnancy and postpartum can help progress and address any emerging issues.
- Education on exercises, posture, and self-care techniques empowers women in their health.
- Ensure New mothers have a follow-up assessment after childbirth to address any physical issues and plan for ongoing care.
- Create a supportive and compassionate environment for women to feel comfortable discussing their concerns and experiences.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is supporting women through the physical demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period. By addressing pain, improving mobility, and promoting overall well-being, physiotherapists help women navigate the challenges of this transformative journey. Get Regular physiotherapy sessions, tailored exercises, and education to empower women to maintain their health and comfort, ensuring a positive pregnancy and postpartum experience with the best Physiotherapy clinic in Bangalore, Archphysio.
