Pregnancy and Post Natal Physiotherapy

Pregnancy physiotherapy services

• • Our team of experienced Women’s Health Physiotherapists look after pregnant women from the beginning of their pregnancy up to 3 years after giving birth.
  • During pregnancy:
  • Pregnancy-related pain – Treatment and management for pain during pregnancy can be different. Our team of experienced Women’s Health Physiotherapists can deliver safe and effective treatment.
  • Bladder or bowel leakage
  • Birth Preparation
  • Prepare you for postnatal care

In the first 6 weeks after your delivery, our physiotherapists can assist with the following:

• • Screening of bladder and bowel function, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual pain, musculoskeletal issues
  • Surgical scar healing
  • Perineal pain and swelling management
  • Treatment of breast conditions like engorgement or blocked ducts
  • Return to exercise

After 6 weeks, our physiotherapists can also:

• • • Perform an internal vaginal examination to assess your pelvic floor function
    • Progress your exercise program

 Pelvic floor muscle contraction technique

• • • Many women have heard of and have tried performing PFM exercises or “Kegel exercises” but research suggests that about 60% of women with pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse) incorrectly contract their PFMs.
    • Our physiotherapists can check your technique using real time ultrasound (RTUS) , or an internal vaginal examination, to make sure that you are performing your contractions optimally. We will ensure that you are confident with your PFM exercises and will help you create a program to keep your PFMs strong.

 Abdominal separation

• • • Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD), or abdominal separation, will happen 100% of the time by the end of the pregnancy as your abdominal muscles need to stretch to allow for your baby to grow. After childbirth. Some women bounce back quickly, while others may notice a “gap” in their tummy muscles and/or doming through their abdomen for a period of time.
    • Our physiotherapists can assess the severity of your RAD and provide you with advice on modifying activities in your daily life. Abdominal exercises and core activation technique will be checked and a tailored exercise program will be provided to each individual.

Birth preparation

• • • Perineal massage is recommended from 35 weeks gestation to help prepare the perineum for delivery. Perineal massage can help reduce the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter tears as well as the need for episiotomies and reduces the chance of having ongoing perineal pain after delivery.
    • Birth preparation with our physiotherapists involves: vaginal examination to help relax any PFM tension, teaching breathing and relaxation strategies during discomfort, teaching you and/or your partner how to perform perineal massage, and providing advice on labour and positioning.

Advice for the postnatal period

• • • • Our physiotherapists can provide information on perineal care with vaginal births and how to best look after yourself post-caesarean birth.