Physiotherapy in pregnancy

What changes in pregnancy

In the circulatory system, blood volume, heart rate and cardiac output increase. In the respiratory system, tidal volume rises; as the diaphragm shifts, the space for the lungs decreases and breathing becomes shallower and more demanding.

There is also a greater load on the kidneys and the bladder needs to empty more often. The growing uterus can affect bowel motility. Changing hormone levels, which prepare the body for birth, loosen the ligaments in the pelvis and throughout the body. The lower limbs are more prone to swelling.

The growing belly shifts the body’s centre of gravity forward and this is compensated by an increased lumbar lordosis. The sacroiliac joint, lumbar spine and hip joints become overloaded, the pull of the abdominal muscles increases along with the load on their attachments to the ribs and pubic bone. The growing breasts become heavier, overloading the thoracic and cervical spine, and the weight of the uterus increases the load on the pelvic floor.

How exercise for pregnant women works

Based on a kinesiological analysis we can propose suitable exercises that relieve pain or act preventively. We also focus on activation and relaxation of the pelvic floor. We can help release overloaded areas of the musculoskeletal system using techniques such as mobilization, stabilization exercises and release exercises.

As support we can use kinesiotaping and, for swelling of the lower limbs, manual lymphatic drainage. We adapt the physiotherapy individually, according to current health status and the stage of pregnancy. The mental well-being and calm of the expectant mother is of course also important.