Antenatal PhysiotherapyOur body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, antenatal physiotherapy is dedicated to address the distinct needs and challenges faced by pregnant woman. Its primary goal is to foster a healthier pregnancy, alleviate discomfort, and prepare the body for the journey of labor and postpartum recovery.
Changes During Pregnancy
- Hormonal and Endocrinal changes
- Ligaments become lax
- Increase in fluid retention
- Risks of developing antenatal hyperglycaemia
- Musculoskeletal and Postural changes
- Ligament laxity can lead to pelvic and hip pain
- Increase in lordosis and risk of back pain
- Fluid retention may cause wrist pain
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory changes
- Increase in stroke volume and heart rate
- Increase in tidal volume and respiratory rate
What are some common pregnancy-related conditions?
- Prevent musculoskeletal pain
- Strengthen core and pelvic floor muscles to reduce back pain and stress incontinence
- Improve circulation and reduce tiredness
- Improve fitness and strength which may facilitate natural birth
- Improve antenatal and post-natal mood disorder
- May decrease risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
- Weight management and facilitate post-natal weight reduction
- Prevent post-natal complications: such as diastasis rectus abdominis muscle or incontinence
Pelvic Girdle Pain - Due to hormonal and postural changes, childbearing mothers may easily develop pelvic girdle pain. It may progress in the early stage of pregnancy and worsen in the late stage
- 1 out of 5 mothers may develop pelvic and back pain during pregnancy
- The sooner it is identified and assessed, the better it can be managed
- Activity modification
- Pain relieving treatment
- Therapeutic exercise to enhance core stability
- Provision of equipment e.g. pelvic girdle support belt, walking aids, etc.