Prenatal (Pregnancy) and Postnatal Physio
Prenatal (Pregnancy) Physio
What Does A Physiotherapist Do During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy musculoskeletal assessment and treatment including pelvic girdle pain, back and neck pain, wrist pain, and rib dysfunction.
Pelvic floor assessment to teach correct activation and prevent conditions such as incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain.
Screening and treatment of high tone areas that may impact birth.
Exercise prescription for pregnancy to help you stay fit and do what you love safely.
Birth preparation including perineal massage, pelvic floor down-training and information on birth choices.
When Should I see A Physio During Pregnancy?
You can see a women’s health physiotherapist at any time during your pregnancy, particularly if there is something physically bothering you or you have specific questions.
Generally, an assessment during your second trimester is recommended to help prevent any niggles or issues arising as you and baby grow and to screen for anything that may be noteable during birth preparation.
Finally, at around 33-35 weeks is the best time to have a birth preparation appointment, however, it is never too late! Having knowledge will help you take care of your body before, during and after birth whether you are having a vaginal or caesarean section birth, and will empower you for the best possible outcomes.
How Can A Women’s Health Physio At Move Mountains Help Me In Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a women’s health physiotherapist can treat many conditions including:
Pelvic girdle pain
Rib pain
Wrist conditions
Round ligament pain
Pelvic floor concerns including incontinence, prolapse, varicosities, pain
A women’s health physiotherapist can also help in the prevention of these conditions provide exercise prescription and guidance, and help with birth preparation.
Our women’s health specialist, Jaimi, is passionate about providing support and knowledge to women throughout their pregnancy to empower them for their best possible birth experience and postnatal outcomes. One of my favourite ways to do this is through a consultation, usually in the second trimester where we can optimise your movement patterns, check your pelvic floor function and provide advice and education to keep you moving and feeling well throughout your pregnancy.
At around 33-35 weeks is the best time to have a birth preparation appointment. During this appointment we will discuss birth choices, your pelvis, positions for labour, and optimal breathing techniques to help relax your pelvic floor. I also like to do a vaginal examination to check your pelvic floor resting tone, ensuring you can contract and relax your pelvic floor correctly, and show you how to do perineal massage which research shows has been proven to help decrease third and fourth degree perineal tearing. You may need just one consultation or some women may require a few treatments in the lead up to birth.
Postnatal Physiotherapy
What is postnatal Physiotherapy? What is a postnatal physiotherapy check and how does it differ to a six week check with your obstetrician or GP?
A postnatal physiotherapy appointment is all about you, your body and your recovery.
At the start of your initial postnatal physiotherapy appointment you can expect a chat about any concerns or questions you might have. We’ll also ask you some standard questions about your birth, your body and your pelvic floor. Finally we will discuss your goals; what you would like to achieve or sports you would like to return to following your birth.
We will then do a thorough assessment including:
posture, pelvic alignment and muscle strength
abdominal separation
correct core activation using real time ultrasound
internal pelvic floor vaginal examination to assess pelvic floor strength, endurance, coordination, prolapse, avulsion, pain (with consent)
wound healing for both episiotomy, perineal tears or caesarean scars
Finally, we will make a plan to help you achieve your goals based on the assessment. This will likely include appropriate core and pelvic floor treatment and exercises.
When Should I Start Physio After Giving Birth?
Generally six weeks is the best time to have a postnatal appointment. This is because in the first few weeks there is a lot of natural healing which will take place and by this time, you will usually have had a check up with your GP or obstetrician. However, if you have any serious concerns, you can come in at any time after birth for assessment and treatment.
How Can A Women’s Health Physio At Move Mountains Help Me After Birth?
At Move Mountains Physio, we would love to help you achieve your goals for living your best life with your new baby. We can help by ensuring you return to optimal function and sport/exercise by completing a thorough postnatal physiotherapy assessment to be able to identify and treat any concerns you may have including pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal muscle separation and core rehabilitation, pelvic pain, back pain, breast feeding conditions such as mastitis, wrist conditions, scar and wound healing. We take pride in being able to offer gold standard, evidence-based care with kindness and understanding.
If you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby, book in to see our Women’s Health and Pregnancy Physio Jaimi Gallagher. Jaimi’s wealth of knowledge and experience, combined with her kind and compassionate manner make her an invaluable resource and guide during this exciting period of your life.