Why have antenatal physio?
Adapt not abandon
If pregnancy-related symptoms are preventing you from continuing with the activities you love, antenatal physio may help you identify where you can adapt and overcome.
Birth preparation
Gain greater insight into how to prepare your body for birth as it's changing and be proactive in understanding how you can recover postnatally
Address pain
Your body growing and changing to house your baby may cause new injury or exacerbate existing pain. Pregnancy physio can help.
What is included in an antenatal physio assessment?
Our bodies go through so many changes during pregnancy. It is an exciting but often bewildering time. You may lose confidence in what you can do or receive conflicting information. You may be experiencing new aches, pains and weaknesses. You may be unsure how to prepare for the upcoming challenges of birth and the postpartum period in your ever-evolving body.
Antenatal physio can help to address symptoms, understand how to work with your changing body and giving you useful insight into the next steps. Common symptoms I can treat include:
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Sciatica and back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Diastasis recti
• Leaking
• Vaginal heaviness or bulging
I can also help with
• Education and advice on continuing exercise, adapting lifting etc
• Advice on managing constipation
• Perineal massage
• Postural care
You assessment will include discussion of your pregnancy, gynaecological and medical history. We will of course explore your symptoms in depth plus your goals and expectations. We will look at your movement patterns, posture, strength and pelvic floor function. You will be given actionable advice, exercises and other treatments that may be helpful including manual therapies or acupuncture.
Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing experiences, and taking care of yourself is essential for both your physical recovery and emotional wellbeing.
