Pregnancy Physiotherapy
At Peak Flo Physio we treat and manage a range of pelvic floor and musculoskeletal conditions during pregnancy including:
Pelvic girdle pain
Lower back pain
Neck and thoracic pain
Rib pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pelvic floor symptoms like incontinence, constipation and pelvic pain
Birth Preparation and Pelvic floor risk screening
A pregnancy assessment may include:
A discussion about your pregnancy journey and birth preferences
Your gynaecological and obstetric history
A comprehensive history about your bladder, bowel and sexual function
A thorough medical and menstrual history
A physical examination that will assess for pelvic girdle pain and risk factors for common pregnancy related concerns.
A discussion about exercise in pregnancy, guidelines and precautions.
A discussion about your anatomy: pelvis, pelvic floor, vagina and vulva and the changes that may occur during your pregnancy.
We will screen your pelvic floor in order to prevent or diagnose early any pelvic floor dysfunction
Abdominal and prolapse education and potential management
Pregnancy and Postnatal Pelvic Floor Pathway
Theres lots of things to learn when you fall pregnant and one of the common questions we get asked is, when and why should I see a Pelvic Floor Physio. To make your planning easier at Peak Flo Physio we have laid out the recommended intervals that we would advise women see a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.
Initial Assessment - Week 13-25
This can occur at any time during your pregnancy, however we reccomened coming in as soon as possible after your first trimester, ideally around 13 weeks. This appointment is often the first time someone has checked and evaluated your pelvic floor, movement patterns and strength and it allows us to advise you about how much and what type of exercise, pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation you need to do. This allows us to gage your “base line” and we use the measurements and outcomes taken in this session to compare to after you have given birth. This ensures we are aiming to return you to your level of normal postnatally. It is a fantastic idea to have an appointment at this time, even if you do not have any symptoms.
Follow up Assessment: Week 20 +
Most individuals will have a scan around 20 weeks called a “morphology scan” after this scan, we recommended booking in to see your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist again. During this appointment we will see how your pelvic floor is functioning at the mid point of your pregnancy and also check in on the rest of your body to ensure we are minimising the risk of musculoskeletal dysfunction from arising.
We will explain what the pelvic floor is, how to functions normally and how you can prepare it adequately for birth. If you are aiming for a vaginal birth then being able to relax your pelvic floor is vital, so we check your ability to do this and give you some homework accordingly. We also discuss and educate on perineal tearing, risk factors and preventative strategies as well as exercise for the continuation of your pregnancy.If you have any niggles, aches or pains, this is also an ideal time to get on top of them, as the 2nd half of pregnancy can place greater load on your pelvic floor, hips, back and pelvis.
Birth Preparation - 34 weeks
At this point the end is near and your body is about to go through an amazing, life changing experience. While birth can be amazing and beautiful, it can also be really hard and not everyone has a pleasant experience. At Peak Flo Physio we believe that knowledge is power and that’s why we do “birth preparation” appointments will all our pregnant clients.
Your pelvic floor is designed to be “closed” and “active” for 99% of your days. When you give birth you need it to do the exact opposite and this can be really hard if you have never practised how to do that before! During these appointment we teach evidenced based pushing techniques, labouring positions that help to open the pelvic cavity, teach and discuss perineal massage, discuss early post-natal recovery and measure/fit SRC recovery shorts if appropriate.
Post-natal Physiotherapy - 6 weeks Postpartum
We reccomened that all our mummas check in between 4-6 weeks postpartum to evaluate their pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and scar tissue (whether C-section, episiomty or perineal tears). These appointments are invaluable and ensure that your bladder and bowel are functioning well and that your return to exercise (and eventually intercourse) are as safe and easy as possible. Learn more about our Postnatal Services here.