Antenatal Conditions

A women’s body undergoes many physical changes during pregnancy so it is no surprise that the majority of pregnant women will experience at least one or more of the common conditions listed below which can be effectively treated with physiotherapy.

Although these conditions are not life-threatening, they can significantly affect your day to day function and quality of life if left untreated. So it is important that you seek help from a specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist who understands the physiology of pregnancy and how it affects your body, so it can be treated properly.

The sooner we see you the better the outcome of your treatment, so don’t just disregard your symptoms as being ‘normal’ for pregnancy, as they will likely worsen and can effect labour and your postnatal recovery.

Women’s Health Physiotherapists have a key role in keeping you comfortable throughout your pregnancy so you can continue to carry out all your usual day-to-day activities with minimum discomfort and fatigue, as well as cope with the challenge ahead of labour and motherhood. We combine our specialist knowledge, training and clinical experience to devise effective treatments and exercise programmes.

Common pregnancy-related conditions:-

• Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Sacro-iliac joint dysfunction

• Symphysis pubis dysfunction

• Back pain

• Neck Pain

• Abdominal muscle separation

• Hip pain

• Coccyx Pain

• Sciatica

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Varicose veins

• Cramps

Antenatal classes

• Antenatal specifics Aerobics & Pilates (see classes)

• Physio for Women Pilates (see Pilates or classes)

Antenatal Education

• Breathing & relaxation for labour

• Tens for labour

• 1:1 or group bookings accepted. We can also come to your home.

Antenatal Exercise Classes

It’s a well known fact that exercise is good for the body and for the mind which is why it’s so beneficial for expectant and new mothers. The challenge of pregnancy, labour and looking after a new born is no easy task so the fitter you are the better you will cope with this life changing event.

Contrary to popular belief it is even more important to exercise when you are pregnant. This is not only to help you adjust to the increasing weight and posture changes but also to keep your baby healthy and help you cope effectively with the labour. Quite simply, the more active and fitter you are the better you will cope with being pregnant, the labour itself and those all important postnatal baby care duties. The royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests that exercise in pregnancy can also help prevent medical conditions such as Gestational Diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy) and high blood pressure as well as reducing labour time and delivery complications.

Whilst exercise in pregnancy is extremely beneficial, it can cause more harm than good if not done correctly. For example if you are exercising too intensively, have a medical or obstetric complication or exercising on your back after 16 weeks. Make sure you touch-base with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist to go through your ‘do’s and don’ts’ so you don’t put yourself or your baby at risk.

How can the specialist Antenatal & Postnatal exercise classes help?

The specialist exercise classes are specifically designed for pregnant and postnatal women to promote optimal fitness and function during this challenging time for the body. It is structured around key muscle, joint and posture changes, which can ultimately result in decreased general fitness and common aches and pains.