During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes. Due to increasing weight, changes in body balance, and hormonal changes, she may experience lower back pain, heaviness in the legs, muscle strain, and difficulty in sitting down or getting up. Even after delivery, the body takes time to return to its normal state. Problems such as weakness in the abdominal muscles, pelvic floor-related issues, and back pain can affect some women.
In such situations, antenatal postnatal physiotherapy can help women with physical care from pregnancy through recovery after delivery. The aim of physiotherapy is to suggest safe exercises, proper posture, and ways to improve daily activities according to the woman’s physical condition. Its program may vary according to each woman’s needs, the stage of pregnancy, and the type of delivery.
What is antenatal physiotherapy?
Antenatal physiotherapy is physiotherapy provided during pregnancy. During this time, due to the increasing pressure on the body and changes in physical balance, some women may experience pain in the lower back, hips, or legs. They may also have difficulty sitting for long periods, standing for long periods, or getting out of bed.
A qualified physiotherapist can assess a woman’s condition and provide guidance on appropriate exercises and physical activities. This may include gentle stretching, breathing techniques, the correct way to sit and stand, and, as needed, exercises to strengthen the muscles.
Before starting any exercise during pregnancy, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice. Every woman’s pregnancy is different, so it is not appropriate to follow another woman’s exercise routine without personal guidance.
Major benefits of physiotherapy during pregnancy
1. Helps manage discomfort in the lower back and pelvic region
During pregnancy, changes in body weight and balance can increase pressure on the lower back and pelvic region. Carefully selected exercises, gentle stretching, and posture-related advice may help reduce discomfort in some women.
2. Assistance in Maintaining Proper Posture
As the size of the abdomen increases, the way of standing, walking, and sitting may change. A physiotherapist can suggest ways to improve posture according to the condition of the body and make daily activities more comfortable.
3. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Techniques related to controlled breathing and relaxation can help reduce stress and improve coordination with the body. These should be practiced according to one’s individual health condition and the doctor’s advice.
4. Helping to Continue Physical Activities
With proper guidance, light physical activities can help maintain mobility and keep the muscles active. However, the intensity and type of exercise should be determined according to the condition of the pregnancy.
What is Postnatal Physiotherapy?
Postnatal physiotherapy is physiotherapy that helps the body recover after delivery. After childbirth, a woman needs rest, adequate nutrition, and a gradual return to normal activities. At this time, it is more important to understand the body’s signals than to rush into strenuous exercise.
A physiotherapist can prepare an exercise plan by taking into account the type of delivery, pain, muscle condition, and stage of recovery. The recovery needs after a normal delivery and a C-section may be different, so following the same routine in both situations is not appropriate.
How does physiotherapy help after delivery?
Care of the pelvic floor muscles: During pregnancy and delivery, the pelvic floor muscles can come under strain. Exercises prescribed after proper assessment can help improve the control and function of these muscles.
Strengthening the abdominal muscles: After pregnancy, the abdominal muscles may become weak or separated. With the advice of a physiotherapist, appropriate exercises can be started. It is better to have the muscle condition assessed before doing difficult abdominal exercises.
Relief from back and neck pain: Lifting the baby, breastfeeding, and staying in one position for long periods can cause pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Proper posture, sitting position, and light exercises can help manage these problems.
Return to daily activities: Getting out of bed, walking, lifting the baby, and doing household activities may gradually become easier. The aim of physiotherapy is to help resume activities safely according to the body's capacity.
What should be kept in mind before starting antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy?
Before starting physiotherapy, consult your gynecologist and a qualified physiotherapist. During pregnancy, if there is bleeding, dizziness, unusual difficulty in breathing, or any complication advised by the doctor, medical guidance is necessary before exercising. After delivery, if there is severe pain, fever, wound-related discomfort, or unusual bleeding, contact a doctor first.
After a C-section, it is important to give the abdomen and the area around the wound enough time to heal. When to start exercise depends on the condition after delivery and medical advice. If any activity increases pain or causes unusual symptoms, stop it and consult a specialist.
How to Choose the Right Physiotherapy Program?
A good physiotherapy program is one that is tailored to a woman’s needs. When choosing a specialist, ask about their qualifications, experience in pregnancy and post-delivery care, and their process for personal assessment. Rather than simply providing a list of general exercises, the specialist should understand your discomfort, physical capacity, and stage of recovery.
Along with home exercises, rest, a balanced diet, adequate water intake, and family support are also important. Give your body time to heal, and do not compare your recovery with that of others.
Conclusion
Antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy can be a useful way to manage physical discomfort during pregnancy and support recovery after delivery. With the right exercises, postural guidance, and expert supervision, women can better understand their physical needs. Most importantly, every woman’s recovery is different, so the start of physiotherapy and the choice of exercises should be based on the advice of a doctor and a qualified physiotherapist.