Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for pregnant women 

During pregnancy, it is important to be active on a daily basis. If you are not exercising regularly, pregnancy is a great time to start. Walk, swim, take yoga lessons for pregnant women or work out at home – do something physical every day! A physiotherapist will recommend the types of training to try during pregnancy and what to keep in mind during postpartum recovery. They will also advise on various ailments.

Be sure to see a physiotherapist if you have any of the following problems:

• back pain
• protruding midline of the abdomen when getting out of bed (diastasis recti)
• pubic symphysis pain or dysfunction
• pain in the groin, pelvis or lower back (including pain radiating to the buttocks and legs)
• bladder problems
• carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling, burning or swelling in the fingers)
• constipation
• heel and arch pain (plantar fasciitis)
• muscle cramps
• swelling in the hands and feet
• varicose veins
• sacroiliac joint pain

In addition, we can help you if:

• you are planning a vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean section;
• you have had a very difficult vaginal birth in the past;
• you want to reduce the risk of tears and pelvic floor trauma;
• you are about to have a planned caesarean section. In this case, the physiotherapist will teach you how to prepare for and recover from the procedure. 

WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO?

The deepest muscle of the abdomen, the transverse abdominal muscle, is like an inner girdle that supports your abdomen and back. It is very important to reactivate this muscle to keep your body in the proper position and reduce overstretching of the muscles of the abdominal wall. Strengthening the transverse abdominal muscle during pregnancy has been shown to prevent or reduce diastasis recti. A trained pelvic floor stretches more easily during childbirth and helps prevent problems such as uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence.  

Your physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises to help keep your skeletal system and abdominal muscles strong, effectively prevent lower back pain and relieve tension. If necessary, the physiotherapist will also apply kinesiology tape.

EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY

There is a widespread belief among many pregnant women and healthcare professionals that physical activity during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, foetal growth retardation, musculoskeletal injuries and preterm birth. However, these concerns have not been substantiated for normal pregnancies and conscious exercising. Physical activity during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm birth.

Light and moderate physical activity during pregnancy is recommended for most pregnant women. Regular exercise helps improve mental and physical wellbeing, reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications, improve posture and properly position the baby for delivery. Daily physical activity facilitates preparation for childbirth and supports postpartum recovery.

Helle Nurmsalu

Women’s health physiotherapist

Tallinn, Tartu