Throughout pregnancy, your body undergoes numerous changes to support the growth of your baby.
What are some of the changes that take place during pregnancy?
Cardiovascular System
Increase in cardiac output and heart rate
Respiratory System
Oxygen consumption increases by 20%
An elevated respiratory rate caused by the impact of progesterone and the diaphragm being raised due to pregnancy.
Hormones
Relaxin: This hormone increases the laxity of your joints to help support your pregnancy journey
Oestrogen: helps the uterus grow and assists with fetal organ development
Progesterone: Facilitate smooth muscle relaxation, which can sometimes cause stress urinary incontinence.
Posture
The increased weight of the baby can change your posture as it shifts your center of gravity
The added weight of the baby and breasts often causes your thoracic spine to round.
The weight of the baby shifting forward often causes your pelvis to tilt downward.
Metabolic System
Increased insulin sensitivity which can lead to hypoglycaemia
Joints
The increased joint laxity is crucial for creating space to accommodate the baby and preparing the body for childbirth..
Sometimes the increase in joint laxity can lead to conditions such as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). This pain is in the pelvic joints (pubic symphysis/ SIJ joint) during or after pregnancy.
Muscles
DRAM (Diastasis Rectus Abdominis Muscle) – Stretching of the abdominal muscles at midline due to the growth of the baby
Increased pressure and stretch of the pelvic floor muscles – weakness of the pelvic floor can lead to stress urinary incontinence
Taking care of your health is essential for both yourself and your baby’s development. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your upper or lower back, pelvic area, or dealing with incontinence, it’s important to consult a professional for assistance.
How can physiotherapy help with pregnancy related pain?
Physiotherapy can help with managing a range of pregnancy related pain. This includes incontinence, lower or upper back pain, pelvic girdle pain and DRAM.
Depending on the type of incontinence, physiotherapy can focus on exercises that help to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. Management strategies are also provided to help women manage incontinence.
Physiotherapists can assist in alleviating back pain and pelvic girdle pain. This may involve soft tissue techniques to relax tight muscles, along with strengthening exercises designed for your pregnancy stage to help fortify the core, hips, and back muscles.
One of the best ways to do this is through our Clinical Exercise Classes. These classes are tailored and supervised to ensure you are completing them safely and at the right level for your needs. If required, taping or belts for the hips can be provided to provide extra support for the back and hips.
Although pregnancy brings many changes, there are many ways to prevent and manage these with the support of your physiotherapist!
