Pregnancy and Birth Preparation

The physical changes that occur during pregnancy and the postnatal period are among the most significant transformations the body will ever experience. These changes include; postural adjustments due to the forward tilt of the pelvis and shift in centre of gravity; softening of the connective tissues in the pelvis; expansion of the rib cage; elongation of the abdominal muscles; weakening of the pelvic floor and descent and compression of the digestive and pelvic organs. 

Due to these changes it is common experience new areas of pain or discomfort in your back, pelvis, hips, ribs and wrists. Many women also experience other symptoms such as urinary incontinence, vaginal heaviness, or painful intercourse.

A pregnancy physiotherapy appointment can provide assessment, treatment, and advice to help manage aches and pains of pregnancy. If appropriate, an internal pelvic floor assessment can be performed to teach correct pelvic floor activation (Kegels), pelvic floor relaxation and screen for high-tone (tight) regions in the pelvic floor which can impact birth outcomes. You will be given exercises and advice suitable for each stage of your pregnancy. 

As you progress towards your delivery date, we will discuss with you and teach perineal massage. Perineal massage is an important part of birth preparation which aims to stretch and prepare the pelvic floor for delivery. Research has shown that effective perineal massage can reduce the likelihood of severe perineal tears by 64%; reduce the occurrence of episiotomies by 21%; shorten the second stage of labour; and reduce postpartum perineal pain (Abdelhakim, 2020). 

In the weeks leading up to your birth, we will teach you effective pushing techniques and discuss birth positions, as well as teach you about the stages of labor and offer advice for the early postpartum period. At 6 weeks postpartum, we will complete your postnatal Mummy MOT assessment and formulate a rehabilitation plan, supporting you the whole way through your pregnancy.

What to expect from pregnancy physiotherapy and birth preparation:

• Musculoskeletal assessment and treatment of pains associated with pregnancy 
• Pelvic floor assessment to teach correct activation and relaxation of the pelvic floor 
• Exercise prescription specific to your stage in pregnancy 
• Education and demonstration of perineal massage 
• Education and discussion on the stages of labour, birth choices and birth positions 
• Teaching effective pushing techniques 
• Continued support throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey 

Please note internal assessments will not be completed prior to the 20-week morphology scan

How we suggest that you plan your birth preparation sessions: 

(Pre 20 weeks - Pregnancy physiotherapy treatment of musculoskeletal pains as needed)

Birth preparation sessions:

20 weeks - Initial screening including pelvic floor check, screening of lower back pelvis and hips. Pregnancy specific exercises and advice for the back and pelvis. 

24 weeks - Pelvic floor progress check, assessment and treatment of required areas. Pregnancy specific abdominal exercises. 

28 weeks - Pelvic floor progress check. Assessment and treatment of required areas. Assessment of thoracic spine and mobility with appropriate exercises. 

35 weeks - Education and demonstration of perineal massage.  Pelvic floor relaxation training. Treatment of required areas. 

37 weeks - Education on push technique, staged of labour and birth positions. Treatment of requires areas. 

Postnatal

6 weeks postnatal - Mummy MOT ®  postnatal assessment and treatment