If you ask a woman how she feels during pregnancy, you will hear that she is delighted or in pain. There are wholesome changes that women undergo, and it can be overwhelming.
Though the entire phase of pregnancy is a beautiful journey, it comes with a lot of distress. It is estimated that 50-80% of women are affected with lower back pain, pelvic pain, and involuntary urination. One of the best possible solutions to address these problems is physiotherapy.
The first question that may arise during pregnancy for most women would be, “Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?”.
Physiotherapy or physical therapy is safe and is recommended by doctors.
To understand more about how physiotherapy can help during pregnancy, keep reading.
Why should you consider physiotherapy during pregnancy?
Physiotherapy is the science of movement to promote healing and fitness, and it’s not just for recovery. Physical therapy during pregnancy helps the body deal with common issues and enhances the ability of the body to have a smoother pregnancy.
The following are some of the benefits:
- Relaxing the pain caused by Relaxin: Relaxin is a hormone present in men and women; however, it is primarily produced in pregnant females. Relaxin is responsible for preventing damage to a woman’s body during pregnancy. The hormone is also vital for loosening of the birth canal and preparing the body for childbirth.
However, high levels of relaxin in the body result in the loosening of other ligaments in your body, which results in joint, muscle, and body pain. Physiotherapy during pregnancy helps in dealing with the pain resulting from the increase in relaxin in the body. The targeted exercises also help in reducing pain and maintaining muscle strength.
- Helping in postural changes during pregnancy: During pregnancy, the center of gravity may shift, resulting in increased pressure on your lower back, which may cause the uterus to move a bit forward. Moreover, weakening the lower back muscles may cause you to lean forward with a bent on the neck, mid-back, and shoulders, eventually resulting in postural changes. Physiotherapy helps in the correction of the postural problems caused during the pregnancy.
- Reinforcing pelvic muscles: It is a known fact that pregnancy causes an increase in the frequency of urination. There is an increased blood flow, which adds additional work on the kidneys and releases extra fluid, thus causing increased urination. Increased urination and weakened pelvic floor can cause urinary inconsistence, a very common side-effect of pregnancy. Physiotherapy during pregnancy helps in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy exercises can also help you to improve your bladder control.
- Getting ready for delivery and labor: Childbirth is a very burdensome event. The body requires high strength levels and flexibility to induce labor and deliver a fully grown baby. Due to this reason, doctors recommend pregnant females remain physically active. Physiotherapy can also be an excellent substitute for physical exercises. There is a wide range of pelvic floor exercises that help you prep up for labor and delivery.
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