Pregnancy Physiotherapy

Services

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy and motherhood is vital.

We are here to encourage you to be kind to yourself and support you to feel confident and empowered whilst navigating each season of motherhood.

As Women’s Health Physios we want every woman to feel understood, respected, connected and in control of her body and are on a mission to encourage all women to prioritise their health and wellbeing during this time. We believe all women should have the right to comprehensive pre/postnatal care in a nurturing and supportive environment. Whether it is questions around what kind of exercise is best or how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly, we listen empathically and answer individually.

SixNatal Classes

These are available at our Chelsea Clinic: guiding you through exercise in Pregnancy. A one-off class discussing your goals, giving you confidence and enabling you to feel comfortable exercising throughout your pregnancy, showing you what you can achieve. Read more.

Prenatal Assessments

These are specially designed Pregnancy Physiotherapy assessments from your 12-week scan onwards. They are specifically tailored to your individual goals/needs and may include:

  • An assessment of your pelvic floor strength and tips to make sure you are correctly engaging and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles
  • Advice on preparation for labour (eg teaching perineal massage, TENS for pain relief) or preparation for c-section
  • Advice on safe exercise during pregnancy and modifications to your current exercise routine
  • Assessment and treatment of pregnancy related aches and pains such as pelvic girdle pain, low back pain and carpal tunnel symptom
  • Advice on pregnancy support garments (eg prenatal support shorts/leggings)

Pain in Pregnancy

You may just be feeling a little stiffness or a few aches as a result of a change in posture due to your growing bump, or you may be experiencing more severe pain in pregnancy. Some women can develop pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), often referred to as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).The symphysis pubis is a stiff joint connecting the two halves of the pelvis, strengthened by a dense network of tough and flexible ligaments. During pregnancy the body produces relaxin – a hormone which softens the ligaments to help the baby pass through the pelvis at the time of birth.

The increased movement in the pelvic joints can cause inflammation and pain in pregnancy. Many women complain of pubic bone and lower back pain, which can also radiate to your inside thighs & buttocks, which may be more noticeable when going upstairs or turning over in bed.

Our Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapy team can offer the right advice and treatment, keeping your pain to a minimum and helping avoid long term discomfort.

Postnatal Body Checks

When it comes to return to exercise after having your baby, we believe that your rehabilitation deserves personalised and holistic care.

We understand the impact that pregnancy has on your pelvic floor and core, we encourage all women to have their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles assessed so that they can be safely guided back to exercise. Whether your goals are to simply move more and feel better or return to sport, we are here to hold your hand and guide you through each step of the process. We provide a nurturing environment to safely build your confidence and help you feel your best.

Our postnatal body check is usually recommended from 6 weeks postpartum and is the perfect time to explore any concerns you might have and develop a plan to help you achieve your goals.  These appointments may include:

  • A full pelvic floor assessment, from 6 wks postpartum, to include muscle function and strength (we cannot do this any earlier due to the risk of infection and your recovery).
  • An assessment of your abdominal muscle function and check for any abdominal muscle separation.
  • Education on optimal bladder and bowel habits.
  • Assessment and advice around scar healing.
  • Develop an individualised exercise plan and guidance for returning to exercise based on your needs and symptoms.

Pessary Fitting for prolapse

A prolapse can occur at any time in a woman’s lifetime, the most common being after childbirth. It can be treated by having a Pessary fitted: a silicone-based device that fits into the vagina to support the pelvic organs if they have prolapsed. This service is available at 2 of our Clinics.

Postnatal Packages

These packages have been designed to get you back to full fitness, following a natural or c-section birth. They include:

  • A postnatal body check with one of our Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapists
  • 2 x 30 min follow-up appointments with your Physio
  • 6 x Physio-led Pilates classes – specially tailored in-clinic Physio-led reformer Pilates classes, where you will be given an individual programme dedicated to your specific goals.

Women’s Health Physios are located across all our clinics, in London & Lindfield, West Sussex.

Find Your Physio
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Frequently Asked Questions

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