Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related Musculoskeletal and Pelvic Floor Conditions
Regain Strength and Confidence: Specialized Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Tailored to Your Needs
According to The International Organization of Physical Therapists in Pelvic and Women’s Health (IOPTPWH), the role of women’s health physiotherapist includes:
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prevention, assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction related to pregnancy
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prenatal care during exercise
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prevention and management of pelvic floor dysfunction
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management during high-risk pregnancy, including bed rest/activity restrictions
Common musculoskeletal and pelvic floor complaints during pregnancy include:
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Back pain
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Pelvic girdle pain
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De Quervain's tenosynovitis
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Leg cramps
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Increased urinary frequency and urgency
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Urinary incontinence
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Constipation
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vulvar varicosities
Pregnancy CONDITION
There is good evidence that:
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Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) both during pregnancy and after delivery can prevent and treat urinary incontinence.
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Pregnant women experiencing pelvic girdle pain or low back pain who are prescribed stabilisation exercises and individualised education as guided by the physiotherapist significantly reduce their pain and associated disability.
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Prenatal perineal massage is associated with a lower risk of severe perineal trauma during labour and postpartum complications.
If you are experiencing any of the above musculoskeletal or pelvic floor symptoms, are unsure about pregnancy-safe exercises, or do not understand when and how to perform perineal massage, we recommend booking an appointment to see us.