Carmen MacAngus, BScPT, FCAMPT, Vancouver, BC
Common reasons people seek prenatal physiotherapy
- Low back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain (pain around the hips, pelvis, or sacroiliac joints)
- Sciatica-like symptoms
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Wrist pain (such as pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Postural changes due to a growing abdomen
- Difficulty with movement, walking, or exercise
- Pelvic floor concerns, including urinary leakage
Prenatal physiotherapy (also called pregnancy physiotherapy) is a specialized area of physical therapy that helps people manage the physical changes, discomforts, and musculoskeletal issues that can occur during pregnancy.
O'briain Barra MD, Vancouver, BC
Common reasons people seek prenatal physiotherapy
- Low back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain (pain around the hips, pelvis, or sacroiliac joints)
- Sciatica-like symptoms
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Wrist pain (such as pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Postural changes due to a growing abdomen
- Difficulty with movement, walking, or exercise
- Pelvic floor concerns, including urinary leakage
Pregnancy physiotherapy (also called prenatal physiotherapy) is a specialized area of physiotherapy that helps manage the physical changes and discomforts that can occur during pregnancy, while preparing the body for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Common reasons people see a pregnancy physiotherapist include:
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain or pubic symphysis pain
- Hip pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Sciatica-like symptoms
- Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)
- Pelvic floor concerns (urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, prolapse symptoms)
- Exercise guidance during pregnancy
- Preparation for labor and birth
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
Prenatal Physiotherapy may support mental well-being in several ways:
- Reduces pain and discomfort: Managing back pain, pelvic pain, and other pregnancy-related physical symptoms can lower stress and improve mood.
- Improves confidence and sense of control: Learning exercises, posture strategies, and techniques for labor preparation can help people feel more prepared for pregnancy and childbirth.
- Encourages physical activity: Exercise is associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy.
- Promotes relaxation: Many physiotherapists teach breathing, stretching, and relaxation techniques that can help manage stress.
- Provides support and reassurance: Regular contact with a healthcare professional can reduce worries about physical changes and pregnancy-related concerns.
- Improves sleep: Better pain management and physical comfort may contribute to better sleep, which is closely linked to mental health.
However, prenatal physiotherapy is not a treatment for mental health conditions on its own. If someone is experiencing significant anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or other mental health concerns during pregnancy, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider, who may recommend counseling, therapy, or other appropriate support.
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
Nutrapathic Physician Dr Shaw
Nutrapathic Physician Dr Shaw
Prenatal nutrition is the healthy eating and nutrient intake needed during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the baby and maintain the mother’s health.
It focuses on getting the right balance of:
- Calories for energy and fetal growth
- Protein for building tissues and organs
- Vitamins and minerals for healthy development
- Fluids for hydration and blood volume
Some especially important nutrients during pregnancy include:
- Folic acid (folate): Helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby’s brain and spine
- Iron: Supports increased blood production and helps prevent anemia
- Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth
- Vitamin D: Helps absorb calcium and supports immune health
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for brain and eye development
- Protein: Supports growth of the baby, placenta, and maternal tissues
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
Tamarah Nerreter, BScPT, MClSc(manip), FCAMPT Vancouver, BC
A major focus of prenatal physiotherapy is often the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Learning how to properly contract and relax these muscles during pregnancy may help:
- Reduce urinary leakage
- Improve pelvic support
- Prepare for labor and delivery
- Support postpartum recovery
A prenatal physiotherapist may:
- Evaluate posture, movement patterns, strength, and flexibility
- Assess pelvic floor function when appropriate
- Teach safe exercises for pregnancy
- Provide strategies for lifting, sleeping, sitting, and daily activities
- Use manual therapy techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility
- Develop a personalized exercise program
Dani Langford, BScPT, FCAMPT, Vancouver, BC
Research suggests prenatal physiotherapy can help:
- Reduce pregnancy-related pain
- Improve physical function and mobility
- Support safe physical activity during pregnancy
- Improve body awareness and posture
- Prepare for labor and recovery after birth
Carmen MacAngus, BScPT, FCAMPT, Vancouver, BC
Research suggests that appropriate exercise and pelvic floor training during pregnancy can help reduce pain, improve function, and lower the risk of urinary incontinence during and after pregnancy.
If you’re looking for care, it’s generally advisable to seek a physiotherapist with additional training in women’s health, pelvic health, or obstetric physiotherapy.