Pregnancy Physiotherapy

Pregnancy or antenatal physiotherapy can be helpful to manage the additional strain and demand placed on the body.

Pelvic girdle and pubic symphysis pain
Lower back and hip pain
Bladder leakage and pelvic floor symptoms
Abdominal and core changes
Safe exercise and movement during pregnancy

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No referral necessary

Pregnancy Physiotherapy at Advantage Healthcare

Pregnancy can place new demands on your back, pelvis, abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. Our physiotherapists assess the specific changes contributing to your symptoms and provide treatment and exercise appropriate to your stage of pregnancy.

Depending on your needs, pregnancy physiotherapy may include treatment for pelvic girdle, back or hip pain, pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation, advice around bladder symptoms, abdominal and core rehabilitation, and guidance on staying active comfortably during pregnancy.

Our approach is individual rather than based on a standard pregnancy exercise program. We look at your symptoms, movement, strength and goals, then develop a practical treatment and rehabilitation plan for you.

How antenatal physiotherapy can help during pregnancy

Antenatal physiotherapy can help manage the physical changes and symptoms that can develop throughout pregnancy. Treatment is tailored to your stage of pregnancy, symptoms and activity goals, with a focus on keeping you comfortable, active and confident as your body changes.

Pelvic girdle pain

Pelvic girdle pain can cause discomfort around the pelvis, buttocks, hips or groin and may make walking, stairs, rolling in bed or standing more difficult. Physiotherapy can help identify the movements and factors contributing to your symptoms and provide treatment, exercises and practical strategies to manage them.

Lower back and hip pain

Changes in posture, movement and load during pregnancy can contribute to lower back and hip pain. Physiotherapy may include hands-on treatment, exercise and advice to help reduce discomfort and improve how you move.

Bladder leakage

Leaking urine during coughing, sneezing, exercise or other activities is common during pregnancy, but it is worth assessing rather than simply accepting. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess your pelvic floor function and provide exercises and strategies appropriate to your individual needs.

Pelvic floor symptoms

Pregnancy places increasing demands on the pelvic floor and some women experience heaviness, pressure, urgency or difficulty coordinating their pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy can assess how these muscles are functioning and provide individualised pelvic floor rehabilitation where appropriate.

Abdominal and core changes

The abdominal wall stretches considerably during pregnancy and changes in strength and coordination can affect movement and exercise. Physiotherapy can help you understand these changes and provide appropriate exercises for your abdominal and core muscles throughout pregnancy.

Exercise during pregnancy

Staying active during pregnancy can have many benefits, but your exercise program may need to change as your pregnancy progresses. A physiotherapist can help you modify exercise around pain, pelvic floor symptoms or other physical changes while maintaining an appropriate level of activity.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy

Pelvic floor assessment your pelvic floor physiotherapist will check for leakage, urgency, heaviness, weakness or difficulty coordinating the muscles.
Individual pelvic floor exercises, rather than assuming everyone simply needs more Kegels, exercises are specific to the patiet and their conditions.
Preparation for later pregnancy and birth, where appropriate, including learning how to relax and coordinate the pelvic floor, not just strengthen it.

When should you start prenatal physiotherapy?

There is no single stage of pregnancy when everyone needs to see a physiotherapist. You can book at any stage if you develop pain, bladder leakage, pelvic floor symptoms or difficulty staying active comfortably.

Some women also choose to see a pelvic health physiotherapist later in pregnancy for assessment, exercise guidance and preparation for the physical demands of birth and postnatal recovery.