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Is Prenatal Physiotherapy Safe for Every Trimester?

Prenatal Physiotherapy

Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey filled with eager anticipation and a fair share of physical challenges. As your body experiences significant changes to accommodate your growing baby, it’s crucial to find ways to stay comfortable, healthy, and strong. This is where prenatal physiotherapy comes into play. By incorporating tailored exercises and techniques designed specifically for expectant mothers, our prenatal physiotherapy in Edmonton helps manage pregnancy-related discomforts, enhances your overall well-being, and prepares your body for childbirth. 

You can book your online appointments even now!

Can Prenatal Physiotherapy Be Safely Undertaken During All Trimesters Of Pregnancy?

Absolutely, our prenatal physiotherapy can be a game-changer during pregnancy, but is it safe throughout all three trimesters? The short answer is yes, with some important considerations to keep in mind.

1. First Trimester: Easing Into It 

During the first trimester, your body is going through massive hormonal shifts and the initial stages of physical changes. You might experience fatigue, nausea, and a lot of adjustments as your body begins to accommodate the growing baby. Our prenatal physiotherapy can be incredibly beneficial during this period by focusing on gentle pregnancy workouts and techniques that help with relaxation and reducing early pregnancy symptoms. 

2. Deep Breathing Exercises:

Deep breathing is a fantastic way to relax and manage stress during early pregnancy. It helps oxygenate your body and reduce feelings of nausea and fatigue. Try this:

How to do it: Take a comfortable seated or reclined position. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take a deep breath through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise. Breathe out slowly through your mouth, noticing your abdomen lowering. Repeat this for 5-10 minutes daily.

3. Gentle Walking:

Walking is a gentle exercise that can enhance your mood, energy levels, and overall health without placing undue stress on your body.

How to do it: Aim for a 20-30 minute walk at a comfortable pace several times a week. Ensure you wear supportive footwear and maintain adequate hydration.

Second Trimester: Building Strength and Stability 

The second trimester is often described as the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy because many women experience a decrease in feeling more energetic and less nauseous. This is a fantastic time to ramp up your physiotherapy sessions. Focus on exercises that build strength, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. As your baby bump grows, the shifting of your center of gravity can result in back pain and balance issues. Our prenatal physiotherapy in Edmonton helps address these challenges, making sure you stay strong and stable.

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels):

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles aids in preventing urinary incontinence and supports the development of the uterus.

How to do it: Sit comfortably and imagine you are attempting to halt the urinary flow. Tighten the muscles in your pelvic floor, maintain for 5-10 seconds, and then release. Repeat 10-15 times, several times a day.

2. Wall Push-Ups:

This exercise strengthens your upper body without putting too much strain on your abdomen.

How to do it: Stand a few feet away from a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Position your hands on the wall at shoulder height and width. Bend your elbows to draw your chest closer to the wall, then return to the starting position by pushing back. Repeat 10-15 times.

3. Third Trimester: Preparing for Birth 

As you enter the third trimester, the physical demands on your body continue to increase. Your baby is growing rapidly, and you might feel more discomfort, especially in your lower back, hips, and pelvis. Our pelvic health physiotherapist, during this time, focuses on preparing your body for labour and delivery. We offer techniques to improve pelvic floor strength, manage pain, and ensure optimal fetal positioning, which is crucial. It’s also a good time to learn relaxation and breathing techniques that can be incredibly helpful during labour.

4. Tailor Sitting (Butterfly Stretch):

This exercise helps open up the hips and enhance flexibility in the pelvic area.

How to do it: Sit on the floor with your back erect and the soles of your feet together. Softly press your knees toward the floor with your elbows while leaning slightly forward. Hold for 10-20 seconds, then relax. Repeat 5-10 times.

5. Pelvic Tilts on a Birth Ball:

This exercise is effective for alleviating lower back pain and strengthening the core.

How to do it: Sit on a birth ball with your feet flat on the floor. Gently tilt your pelvis forward and backward, keeping your upper body still. Repeat 10-15 times.

Key Considerations and Precautions

  • Listen to Your Body: Pregnancy is not the time for pushing through pain or discomfort. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and consult our physiotherapist.
  • Avoid Certain Positions and Movements: As your pregnancy progresses, certain exercises or positions may become uncomfortable or unsafe. Our registered physiotherapist can guide you on what to avoid.
  • Warm-up and Cool-Down: Always start with a warm-up and end with a cool-down session.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout your exercise sessions.
  • Regular Monitoring: Regularly check in with our therapists to address any changes or concerns pertaining to your physiotherapy regimen.

Supporting Your Journey: 

Prenatal physiotherapy in Edmonton offers tailored pelvic exercises during pregnancy to support women’s health and prepare for childbirth. By focusing on gentle movements, pelvic floor strengthening, and posture improvement, Granville Physiotherapy enhances comfort and well-being during this transformative time.

Consult with our registered physiotherapist to develop a personalized plan that caters to your individual needs and supports your journey to a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Contact us today and prioritize your well-being with expert guidance and pregnancy exercises designed for this special phase of life.

You can book your online appointments even now!