Pregnancy: Aches & Pains

Pregnancy can be quite an overwhelming time, with surges in hormones, changes to the body a significant increase in energy consumption and fatigue levels increasing. It is fairly well known that Pregnant women have an increased susceptibility to musculo-skeletal injuries including:

• Lower back pain;
• Sacro-iliac joint pain;
• Pain at the symphysis pubis; and
• Pelvic instability

The reason for these symptoms among others may be present, can be attributed to a number of factors including;

• In increase in the curve of the lower back;
• Forward tilting of the pelvis; and
• Loosening of the ligaments with the increased levels of the hormone ‘relaxin’

There are other conditions that may arise during pregnancy including:

• Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis rectus);
• Incontinence;
• Postural pain;
• Carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Swelling of the ankles and feet;
• DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis; and
• General aches and pains

 There are a number of things that Physiotherapy can assist with in the management of all of these presentations during pregnancy. It is also critically important that pregnant women are confident in their ability to identify appropriate types of exercise and safe levels of intensity, body temperature and heart rate, so to minimise the risk to themselves and their unborn baby.

Having worked with women in various stages of pregnancy for over a decade and conducting ante-natal classes and working on the maternity ward during her time in the hospital setting, Sophie is experienced in providing clients with education, safe and tailored exercises, postural advice and exercises, advice and prescription of braces and garments during pregnancy.

If you have any questions relating to your pregnancy or you would like to book an appointment, please contact Sophie today.