Pregnancy can be a very exciting time but it can also be an uncomfortable one. Back and pelvic pain are very common at this time affecting up to 90% of women.
During your pregnancy your body releases the hormone relaxin which softens your ligaments. This allows for the body to accommodate your baby whilst aiding its natural delivery at the end of pregnancy.
The softening of these ligaments also means that your joints are less supported and as a result you are more susceptible to experiencing pain and discomfort.
Ante-Natal:
- Advice and treatment for back, neck, rib and pelvic girdle pain (sacroiliac or symphysis pubis /SPD). Also for nerve problems such as Sciatica and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain, pins and needles or numbness in the hands).
- Physical preparation for labour (positions for labour, breathing techniques, massage, relaxation, TENS).
- Pelvic Floor exercises and training, to prevent and treat incontinence.
Common Complaints affecting women during and after pregnancy include:
- pelvic girdle pain (including Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction SPD and sacroiliac pain)
- low back pain
- nerve problems: Sciatica/Carpal Tunnel
- Pain in the mid back
- rib pain
- tingling hands ( Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- pain at your tailbone
- pain from your caesarean scar
- rectus abdominus diastasis (a separation of the abdominal muscles following the birth of your baby)
- urinary incontinence
- pelvic organ prolapse
- advice on pain management
- postural and back care advice
- teaching gentle exercises and stretches (including core stability and/or pelvic floor (PF) muscle exercises) and advice on exercising safely during and after pregnancy
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Ante Natal Physiotherapy Treatment:
- manual therapy (ie hands on treatment), where appropriate
- advice on lifting techniques and transfers (including standing up from sitting, getting in and out of bed, and turning in bed)
- advice on delivery positions, if antenatal
- support belts and mobility aids, if necessary
Post-Natal Physiotherapy Treatment:
- Treatment for back, neck and pelvic pain and practical advice relating to breast-feeding and carrying your baby and improving your posture.
- Post-natal abdominal retraining following a C-Section delivery and separation of abdominal muscles, ( rectus diastasis)
- Pelvic Floor Training for incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain or following perineal trauma during delivery.
- Individualised and safe return to exercise programmes .
