We started the Personalized Physiotherapy blog Move & Balance with the description of OBSTETRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY because we are aware of the lack of information in the population regarding this field.
From the Official College of Physiotherapy of the Canary Islands and within the Commission of Urogynecology and Obstetrics of which we are members, an interesting diptych was developed with the most accurate information regarding the OBSTETRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY. In these lines you will find the following:
WHAT IS THE PELVIC SULEO AND WHAT CHANGES SUFFER DURING PREGNANCY?
The pelvic floor is the musculature that closes the pelvis at the bottom. This musculature suffers major alterations during pregnancy, due to the weight gain and the hormonal changes of the same, and especially during childbirth, in the expulsive phase, in which the baby crosses the birth canal and the dilation of this musculature is maximum.
CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY
The musculoskeletal system will undergo major changes in women such as widening of the pelvis, dilation of the abdominal muscles or weakness of the pelvic floor, in addition to postural changes such as increased lumbar or dorsal curvature, etc.
A poor adaptation to these changes can cause discomfort and various disorders such as lumbar or pelvic pain, sciatica (nerve involvement), pubalgia or rib pain. In addition, stress urinary incontinence may appear.
WHAT CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY DO DURING PREGNANCY?
The physiotherapist can perform specific treatment for the pregnant woman or actively participate in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries associated with pregnancy and childbirth by applying pelvic mobilizations, specific pelvic floor and abdomen exercises, flexibility and stretching of the musculature. lumbar and pelvic, postural reeducation in pregnancy, specific manual treatment of the typical pains of pregnancy.
PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE PROCESS OF CHILDBIRTH
The mother’s body will adapt to the movements and physical changes that occur to facilitate the baby’s exit to the outside, which will cause pain. The bony structures will be widened to favor the passage through the pelvic straits and the pelvic floor musculature will expand and stretch to allow the baby to leave.
WHAT CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY DO DURING CHILDBIRTH?
The physiotherapist can teach the pregnant woman and her companion active movements and specific pelvic exercises that favor the process of embedding and dilation, diaphragmatic-abdominal breathing exercises, analgesic techniques with massage or application of heat, the various postures of labor and busting, to prevent major injuries to the pelvic floor, especially during the expulsive phase of labor.
