Services
Prenatal pain and aches: How can physiotherapy help?
A woman’s body goes through various changes during the journey of life.
What is prenatal care?
A healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy birth, and the best way to achieve this is through early and regular prenatal care. You don’t have to wait for your scheduled doctor’s visit to start making positive changes; lifestyle adjustments can be implemented right away.
It may seem like just baby steps, but every little effort counts:
Control medical conditions and diabetes
Maintain a healthy weight
Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs
Ensure your vaccinations are up to date
Why is prenatal care important?
Pregnancy is a joyous event, where both husband and wife await the newest addition to their family. But here comes the million-dollar question, how do you make it as smooth and safe as possible for both mother and child?
This is where you should schedule a visit with your doctor, who may refer you to an appropriate OB-GYN. When you’re visiting for a prenatal check-up, you may be asked to provide a urine sample, undergo a physical check, and a weight check. If your stage of pregnancy is advanced, you may also be asked to undergo an ultrasound exam and a blood test.
These tests may look to be a hassle, but visits to your OB-GYN is important as you can have all your questions and worries answered by a medical professional and be monitored for any possible problems that may crop up.
So, what are the other reasons that prenatal care is key?
Ensure that your medications are safe
Certain medications are not suitable for pregnant women, and your doctor will guide you on what to avoid and what is safe. It’s essential to be aware that even some dietary or health supplements can pose risks to the fetus, so your healthcare provider will help you navigate which ones to steer clear of. Always consult with your doctor before taking any new medication or supplement during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
Reduce the foetus’s risk of complications
Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can be extremely harmful to the fetus and infant, potentially leading to serious complications. During your visits to the OB-GYN, you’ll receive guidance on these harmful substances as well as advice on how to maintain a smooth and healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will help you identify and avoid any factors that could jeopardize your well-being and that of your baby.
Reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy
Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can be extremely harmful to the fetus and infant, potentially leading to serious complications. During your visits to the OB-GYN, you’ll receive guidance on these harmful substances as well as advice on how to maintain a smooth and healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will help you identify and avoid any factors that could jeopardize your well-being and that of your baby.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy
A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes throughout her life, adapting to various phases that can lead to musculoskeletal issues. However, you don’t have to endure this discomfort. Women’s health physiotherapy offers safe and effective solutions to alleviate pain and improve your well-being.
Prenatal Discomfort and Aches
Throughout a woman’s life, her body experiences numerous changes, and as it adapts to different life stages, musculoskeletal issues may emerge.
Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer through this discomfort—women’s health physiotherapy offers safe and effective treatments to help relieve pain.
While the journey of pregnancy is incredibly rewarding, it can also bring about various aches and pains as your body adjusts to the growing fetus.
What causes prenatal pain and aches?
During your pregnancy, your body will experience a variety of changes to adapt and support the growing fetus.
Hormones
As your body prepares for childbirth, hormones are released to help relax your ligaments and joints. This process, which occurs throughout pregnancy, can result in discomfort and aches in various areas of your body.
Weight Gain
Starting in your second trimester, you’ll experience weight gain, which increases pressure on your joints. This added strain can lead to quicker fatigue throughout the day and may result in discomfort or pain in your body.
Growing Belly
As your belly grows, your abdominal muscles will stretch and weaken, leading to common discomfort in the lower back, legs, groin, pelvis, and buttocks. Additionally, the weight of your baby and uterus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, potentially causing sciatica, which results in shooting pain that radiates from your lower back down to your buttocks and legs.
Types of prenatal pain and aches that we treat
Back Pain during pregnancy
Back pain is a prevalent issue for expectant mothers. As the fetus grows, the added weight shifts the body’s center of gravity, compressing the spine and leading to discomfort. Additionally, the softening of ligaments and joints in preparation for labor can strain the lower back and pelvis, contributing to backaches. Our team of women’s health physiotherapists is here to provide safe and effective relief for your back pain.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti refers to the separation of the left and right halves of the abdominal muscles at the midline. This separation often occurs as the growing fetus pushes against the abdominal wall, creating pressure within the abdomen. As a result, the connective tissues between the abdominal muscles stretch and weaken.
After childbirth, this stretched connective tissue may remain, leading to a gap between the left and right abdominal muscles. This can cause the tummy to protrude, resulting in a noticeable bulge. Diastasis recti affects approximately 30% to 68% of postpartum women.
Our available treatments for prenatal pain and aches
Manual therapy
Pain and discomfort are common during pregnancy, but manual therapy can help alleviate these issues effectively.
Pregnancy can be stressful, especially with the discomfort that often accompanies it. We understand your concerns, and through our facilitated stretch therapy, you can find relaxation as you prepare for labor. This therapy can also help relieve soreness and pain in your joints and muscles.
Labor pain and contractions are common experiences during pregnancy, but Pilates can offer relief. While it may seem like a workout designed for athletes, its adaptable nature allows for modifications that make it suitable for expectant mothers.
Office
279 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437062
Monday to Friday : 9am – 8pm
Saturday : 10am – 7pm
Sunday : 10am – 6pm
Services
Knee Pain
Shoulder Pain
Neck Pain
Elbow and Wrist Pain
Ankle and Foot Pain
Stretch Therapy
Sports Therapy
Women's Health
Contact
(+65) 9007 1085
hello@nofrillsphysiotherapy.com
Address: 279 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437062
Other Physiotherapy Services
Shockwave Therapy
Dry Needling
Sports Massage
Functional Fitness
Workplace Health