Here’s how pre and postnatal physiotherapy typically works:

1. Pre-Natal Physiotherapy:
   • Assessment: Before pregnancy or during early pregnancy, women may undergo a pre-natal assessment with a physiotherapist specializing in women’s health. This assessment helps identify any pre-existing musculoskeletal issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, or risk factors that may affect pregnancy or childbirth.
     
     
   • Exercise and Education: Pre-natal physiotherapy emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, proper posture, and pelvic floor muscle training to support a healthy pregnancy and prepare the body for childbirth. Women may receive guidance on safe and effective exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation strategies to alleviate common pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and urinary incontinence.
     
     
   • Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, are often incorporated into pre-natal physiotherapy programs to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy and childbirth. Women learn how to properly engage and relax these muscles to support bladder control, pelvic organ support, and sexual function.
     
     
   • Labor Preparation: Pre-natal physiotherapy may include education and preparation for labor and delivery, including breathing techniques, positions for labor, and strategies to manage pain and discomfort during childbirth. Physiotherapists may also provide advice on maintaining mobility and comfort during pregnancy.
     
     
2. Post-Natal Physiotherapy:
   • Assessment: After childbirth, women may undergo a postnatal assessment to evaluate pelvic floor function, abdominal muscle strength, and overall physical recovery. This assessment helps identify any postpartum issues such as diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), pelvic floor weakness, or musculoskeletal pain.
     
     
   • Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Postnatal physiotherapy often includes pelvic floor rehabilitation to address issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or pelvic pain. Women may learn pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback techniques, and lifestyle modifications to promote pelvic floor health and recovery.
     
     
   • Core Strengthening: Postnatal physiotherapy focuses on restoring abdominal muscle strength and function, particularly for women with diastasis recti or weakened abdominal muscles. Exercise programs may include gentle core stabilization exercises, pelvic tilts, and progressive strengthening exercises tailored to the individual’s needs and stage of recovery.
     
     
   • Gradual Return to Exercise: Physiotherapists provide guidance on safely returning to exercise and physical activity after childbirth, taking into account factors such as vaginal or cesarean delivery, episiotomy or perineal tears, and pelvic floor recovery. Women are encouraged to start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity and duration as tolerated.
     
     
   • Support and Education: Postnatal physiotherapy offers ongoing support and education to women as they navigate the physical and emotional changes associated with the postpartum period. Physiotherapists may address breastfeeding positions, baby handling techniques, postural awareness, and self-care strategies to promote optimal recovery and well-being.

Pre and postnatal physiotherapy programs are designed to empower women to actively participate in their physical recovery and promote a smooth transition to motherhood. By addressing musculoskeletal issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, and other concerns related to pregnancy and childbirth, physiotherapy can help women optimize their health and quality of life during this transformative time.