Physioworks Health Group APA Physiotherapist Amy Shipperd discusses the vital role that physiotherapy can play in maternity care.
Family planning and pregnancy is a very exciting time. And physiotherapists can play an important part in your whole maternity cycle from pre-conception, through the antenatal period, preparation for birth and through to the post-natal and beyond.
The most common pre and post-natal musculoskeletal issues for females often include the back, neck, hips, groin, hands and pelvic floor.
In pregnancy, around 50% of women experience low back pain due to changing hormones, posture and balance change.
As the baby gets heavier the pressure on the pelvic floor area increases causing many women to leak urine (incontinence) when sneezing, laughing, coughing or exercising during pregnancy. And it happens often – to about 2 out of every 3 women. Completing pelvic floor exercises, during this time is very important to keep these muscles strong to support the weight and pressure from above.
In the third trimester, more than 67% of women can experience a widening of their abdominal muscles to make room for growing baby. Some exercises can increase this separation, therefore it is helpful to have a physiotherapist check and prescribe appropriate exercises that are safe for you and the baby.
Postnatally, the repetitive movements of picking up the baby and pram can also result in thumb/wrist pain. Holding the baby and feeding can also result in neck and upper back pain. It is really important to focus on correct manual handling, changing postures regularly and supporting yourself with pillows to reduce the strain.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapists can assess and prescribe safe and appropriate exercises to strengthen abdominals, pelvic floor as well as the rest of the body to increase support and reduce symptoms.
Research shows that a supervised and intensive pelvic floor strengthening program can reduce the likelihood of leaking urine by around 55% during pregnancy and over 30% up to 6 months post birth. Ask a physiotherapist about the best pelvic floor exercise for you.
Women with uncomplicated pregnancies usually can complete 20-30 minutes of aerobic and strengthening exercises most days of the week at a moderate intensity (e.g. you should still be able to talk while exercising).
Your specialist and physiotherapist (depending on each individual delivery) can guide post birth resumption of exercise. Generally, the first 4-6 weeks are spent recovering, with high impact activities such as running and sport being avoided for 3-6 months.
Physiotherapists can give advice regarding postures to adopt/avoid, advice regarding heat/ice and compression belts/pants for symptomatic management. Physiotherapists can also provide manual therapy, such as massage and mobilizations to reduce pain and improve movement and function.
Book a consult with Amy Shipperd at Physioworks Health Group Camberwell on 9889 6611or at Physioworks Mulgrave (WPPC) on 9795 0668 to discuss how she can assist you with pre and post-natal physiotherapy.
References:
http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au
https://choose.physio/your-lifestage/motherhood/pre-and-post-natal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbp2aLajPr8&feature=youtu.be