Pregnancy and childbirth are moments of significant change for a woman's body and this probably brings you a lot of questions. In this period, you will observe changes in different systems such as urinary, intestinal, respiratory, etc. Fortunately, physiotherapy can help you reduce the impact of these changes during and after your pregnancy! The most common physiological changes during pregnancy · An increase in the elasticity of tissues (ligaments and muscles for example) caused by a hormone called relaxin secreted from the first trimester of pregnancy. This change may result in a decrease in joint stability which may manifest as pain in the lumbar region or other joints. It is estimated that about one in three women will suffer from back pain during pregnancy. · Modification of the posture · Increase of the weight at the level of the belly as a result of expansion of the uterus · Increase of the volume of the breasts. These factors accentuate this change in posture and help move the center of gravity forward. You could then see your balance decrease or the way you walk to change. · Increase in the respiratory rate · Modification of the respiratory pattern. You may notice more marked shortness of breath in your first trimester because of increased blood volume. From month to month, your baby takes more and more space in your abdomen which limits the movement of the respiratory diaphragm. Its modifications will bring about a change in the respiratory pattern and you may also experience costal pain. · diastasis of the rectus abdominis. This spacing is frequent and normal during pregnancy due to the expansion of the uterus which significantly stretches the upright of the abdomen combined with relaxin which weakens the white line, fibrous structure in the center of the abdomen. · Increase in pressure on the pelvic floor muscles as well as a decrease in the tone of the sphincters that can lead to urinary leakage of urgency or stress. This problem is still little discussed in medical follow-ups, but it would be present in about 50% of pregnant women. It is also important to know that having urinary incontinence during pregnancy is a risk factor for post-natal incontinence. When to see a physiotherapist during pregnancy You can see a physiotherapist in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation in your second trimester if you feel one or more of the symptoms mentioned above. It should also be mentioned that preventive consultation during pregnancy is advised despite the absence of symptoms to know the condition of your pelvic floor before delivery. Your physiotherapist can advise you on preventive exercises for the rest of your pregnancy as well as those to do in the immediate postnatal period. Studies have shown a beneficial effect of starting pelvic floor training before delivery to reduce the risk of postnatal urinary incontinence. In addition, your physiotherapist can help you prepare for childbirth and the postnatal period, as well as give you tip on preventing perineal tears. If you wish to continue the run during your pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a physiotherapist in pelvic and perineal rehabilitation to ensure that your deep muscles (pelvic floor and abdominals) are effective enough to withstand the impacts of the race. What are these frequent changes, an assessment in pelvic physiotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of pregnancy and the postnatal period? As a result of this assessment, your physiotherapist will be able to: · Establish an optimal treatment plan · prescribe exercises adapted to your condition · give you tips that can help reduce discomfort · prepare you for the post-natal period; · Practice joint mobilizations and / or muscular relaxation techniques. · To help you prepare for childbirth In post-natal, it is advisable to consult your physiotherapist in pelvic rehabilitation for the following problems: · Persistent muscle and / or joint pain (back, pelvis, hips, coccyx) · Urinary and / or fecal leakage on exertion or emergency (small or heavy) · Persistent pain in the scar or caesarean section; · Pain in sexual relations · Persistent heaviness in the perineum / descent of organs · Diastase of grand rights · Safe recovery of physical activity When to consult after delivery? During the postnatal period, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist after a period of 6 to 8 weeks following. Even in the absence of these symptoms, some problems, such as weakness, pelvic floor muscles, may be and she says symptoms when resuming physical activity or pregnancy to come. This is a case of physics with impact (running, aerobics, mountain biking, etc.) in a woman who had weakness of the pelvic floor muscles after delivery. How can physiotherapy help me postnatal? Physiological changes related to pregnancy and childbirth can lead to persistent problems in the postnatal period. Perineal and pelvic physiotherapy is an interesting tool of interest to reduce or eliminate impacts. Following the evaluation, the physiotherapist will be able to choose which interventions are to be prioritized according to your objectives and expectations in order to prevent short-long-term problems. Here are some of the things the physiotherapist expert in pelvic and perineal rehabilitation could do. · The Education / Education: The Great Physicians of Physicians and Physiology Physicians and Pathology Life. · Manual techniques: Manual techniques on several objectives such as normalize muscle tone, facilitate muscle contraction, stretch or soften certain muscle groups, reduce pain, reduce scar adhesions, etc. · Home Exercise Program and / or Clinically Supervised: The physiotherapist can teach you home and clinic exercises for the pelvic floor, breathing, posture, abdominals, etc. · Biofeedback: This is a technology that sends feedback via a visual and / or auditory signal, which allows you to visualize the contraction and relax from the floor on the screen. This approach helps to assess the different muscle qualities of the pelvic floor and promotes a better awareness of this muscle. · Electro stimulation: This is a technology used to stimulate and tone the pelvic floor muscles via a vaginal or anal probe. This is also available for biofeedback for a digested and control of control. · Pessary: It is a vaginal prosthesis made of silicone that can be used in a progression of descent of organ and / or relief of a physical reaction. Do not hesitate to consult a physiotherapist in pelvic and perineal rehabilitation for good advice during or after your pregnancy. Physiotherapy helps with pregnancy.
