Pregnancy is a time of total transformation in a woman’s life, both physically and emotionally and psychologically. But care goes beyond prenatal care and concerns about fetal development—after all, what happens to a woman’s life during this phase if she doesn’t take care of herself? Many people associate physical therapy only with treatment after trauma or an accident, and don’t even imagine the other benefits it can bring to a person’s life—including physical therapy during pregnancy.

A woman’s body during pregnancy deserves special attention, and this does not include just good nutrition and the tests requested by the obstetrician. Getting the body ready for childbirth as well as ways to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by these changes is also necessary.

IMPORTANT: For women who wish to have a vaginal or natural birth, physical therapy during pregnancy plays a fundamental role in preparation. It helps strengthen the pelvis, teaches breathing techniques, and helps control the body.

Some physical exercises are recommended to help women during this stage, and physical therapy is on this list. However, it should only be done with the approval of the obstetrician and if the woman is in full health to participate.

Before starting, it’s necessary to undergo an assessment in which information like family medical history, history of previous pregnancies, and the woman’s physical condition will be recorded and analyzed to prescribe the correct exercises for what she needs.

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy During Pregnancy?

Physical therapy during pregnancy, or obstetric physical therapy as it is also known by specialists, aims to help pregnant women go through the body’s transformations without suffering too much from the changes, especially those that affect posture.

Among the benefits of physical therapy during this phase are relaxation techniques, posture correction, breathing exercises, and stretches intended to get the body ready for labor. All the work is focused on stimulating strength in the lower limbs, lower back, and abdomen, strengthening the entire pelvic floor.

Physical therapy during pregnancy can be started in the second trimester after being cleared by the obstetrician. It is important to seek a professional qualified to meet the needs of a pregnant woman and to tailor each exercise to her particularities and needs.

Main Indications

  • Improves posture – During pregnancy, due to the weight of the belly and all the bodily changes, it’s natural for a woman to “hunch” her body, which causes intense pain in the legs, lower back, and spine.
  • Reduces swelling – Especially in the second and third trimesters, pregnant women often experience intense swelling throughout the body, especially in the legs and feet.
  • Decreases joint, lower back, foot, and leg pain – Because the body’s weight only tends to increase, it’s very common to feel discomfort throughout the body. Physical preparation to withstand these changes brings relief and makes the changes less abrupt.
  • Reduces cramps – Cramps are quite common during any stage of pregnancy and occur due to the effort the body has to make to cope with all the changes, especially the ever-increasing weight.
  • Improves Blood Circulation – Right at the start of pregnancy, blood circulation is already altered due to uterine changes. With the pressure of the uterus on the veins, venous return is compromised, making some care necessary to help activate circulation.
  • Strengthens the Pelvic Floor – Physical therapy during pregnancy strengthens the body and pelvic region to support the extra weight gained during pregnancy. It also helps prevent urinary incontinence and strengthens the area in preparation for childbirth.

In addition to all these benefits, it also reduces the chances of gestational hypertension, diabetes, stress, helps control weight gain, provides mental well-being, and boosts self-esteem.

A big issue during pregnancy is sleep quality. Many pregnant women struggle with sleepless nights due to body discomfort or not finding a comfortable position. With physical therapy during pregnancy, women are able to have quieter nights because their bodies are better prepared for this phase.

Even though pregnancy is a time for care and much caution, it’s not a period for being sedentary or making excuses to avoid physical activity and body care. So don’t say you can’t look after yourself now and just need to rest, okay? Unless you have a high-risk pregnancy and medical advice really requires you to avoid exertion.

Physical Therapy After Childbirth

During postpartum recovery, the female body takes an average of 6 months to return to what it was before, sometimes a little more. However, with the help of physical therapy, this transformation happens faster and in a safer way. Physical therapy activities provide comfort and peace of mind during recovery, as well as improving posture with stretches.

Some lymphatic drainage techniques and perineal exercises can also be performed, reducing postpartum swelling and strengthening the perineum in cases of vaginal delivery, making it easier to return to previous activities, including sexual life. It helps in the prevention of postpartum depression and also enhances a woman’s self-esteem by boosting her confidence in her body.

See also: Pregnancy Pains – What’s Normal?

Photo: Jefferson Rudy/Agência Senado