Pregnancy and Post Natal Care

At around 10 weeks during pregnancy a hormone called relaxin is produced which causes softening and loosening of the ligaments supporting the joints of the body. This is helpful in allowing the pelvic joints to expand with increasing baby size and improving the baby’s passage through the birth canal. However, with weight gain and associated postural changes various joints come under increased stress. The abdominal and pelvic floor muscles are also stretched and less effective in assisting low back and pelvic stability. Resulting musculoskeletal complaints can include; lower back and pelvic pain, thoracic (mid back), tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Physiotherapy treatment:

• Manual therapy techniques for the joints
• Soft tissue release and stretches for muscles
• Positioning and postural advice and techniques
• Exercises designed to improve core trunk stability
• Pelvic stability belts
• Antenatal/postnatal classes
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Electrotherapy – usually once the baby is born

Exercise:
For healthy women with an uncomplicated pregnancy exercise is very beneficial to encourage fitness, flexibility and strength, which assists with pregnancy, childbirth and caring for your newborn.
Recommended exercise includes; walking, swimming,
cycling cross-trainer, mat exercises, stability and swiss
ball exercises.

Exercise guidelines:

• Do not start an exercise program in the first trimester if you have not previously exercised regularly before becoming pregnant. Exercise can begin in the second trimester
• Do not become over heated or dehydrated during exercise.
• Avoid lying on your back after the 20th week of pregnancy to prevent the weight of the baby restricting blood flow through major abdominal blood vessels. If this occurs you will feel dizzy and faint and should roll onto your side to relieve symptoms.
• Avoid over stretching, as your joints will be at increased risk with the relaxin hormone in your bloodstream.

By Vivien Baxter - Physiotherapist
Antenatal, postnatal and low back stability classes are
available at this clinic