Pregnancy Physiotherapy
Services
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy and motherhood is vital.
We are here to encourage you to be kind to yourself and support you to feel confident and empowered whilst navigating each season of motherhood.
As Women’s Health Physios we want every woman to feel understood, respected, connected and in control of her body and are on a mission to encourage all women to prioritise their health and wellbeing during this time. We believe all women should have the right to comprehensive pre/postnatal care in a nurturing and supportive environment. Whether it is questions around what kind of exercise is best or how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly, we listen empathically and answer individually.
SixNatal Classes
These are available at our Chelsea Clinic: guiding you through exercise in Pregnancy. A one-off class discussing your goals, giving you confidence and enabling you to feel comfortable exercising throughout your pregnancy, showing you what you can achieve. Read more.
Prenatal Assessments
These are specially designed Pregnancy Physiotherapy assessments from your 12-week scan onwards. They are specifically tailored to your individual goals/needs and may include:
- An assessment of your pelvic floor strength and tips to make sure you are correctly engaging and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles
- Advice on preparation for labour (eg teaching perineal massage, TENS for pain relief) or preparation for c-section
- Advice on safe exercise during pregnancy and modifications to your current exercise routine
- Assessment and treatment of pregnancy related aches and pains such as pelvic girdle pain, low back pain and carpal tunnel symptom
- Advice on pregnancy support garments (eg prenatal support shorts/leggings)
Pain in Pregnancy
You may just be feeling a little stiffness or a few aches as a result of a change in posture due to your growing bump, or you may be experiencing more severe pain in pregnancy. Some women can develop pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), often referred to as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).The symphysis pubis is a stiff joint connecting the two halves of the pelvis, strengthened by a dense network of tough and flexible ligaments. During pregnancy the body produces relaxin – a hormone which softens the ligaments to help the baby pass through the pelvis at the time of birth.
The increased movement in the pelvic joints can cause inflammation and pain in pregnancy. Many women complain of pubic bone and lower back pain, which can also radiate to your inside thighs & buttocks, which may be more noticeable when going upstairs or turning over in bed.
Our Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapy team can offer the right advice and treatment, keeping your pain to a minimum and helping avoid long term discomfort.
Postnatal Body Checks
When it comes to return to exercise after having your baby, we believe that your rehabilitation deserves personalised and holistic care.
We understand the impact that pregnancy has on your pelvic floor and core, we encourage all women to have their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles assessed so that they can be safely guided back to exercise. Whether your goals are to simply move more and feel better or return to sport, we are here to hold your hand and guide you through each step of the process. We provide a nurturing environment to safely build your confidence and help you feel your best.
Our postnatal body check is usually recommended from 6 weeks postpartum and is the perfect time to explore any concerns you might have and develop a plan to help you achieve your goals. These appointments may include:
- A full pelvic floor assessment, from 6 wks postpartum, to include muscle function and strength (we cannot do this any earlier due to the risk of infection and your recovery).
- An assessment of your abdominal muscle function and check for any abdominal muscle separation.
- Education on optimal bladder and bowel habits.
- Assessment and advice around scar healing.
- Develop an individualised exercise plan and guidance for returning to exercise based on your needs and symptoms.
Pessary Fitting for prolapse
A prolapse can occur at any time in a woman’s lifetime, the most common being after childbirth. It can be treated by having a Pessary fitted: a silicone-based device that fits into the vagina to support the pelvic organs if they have prolapsed. This service is available at 2 of our Clinics.
Postnatal Packages
These discounted packages have been designed to get you back to full fitness, following a natural or c-section birth. They include:
- A postnatal body check with one of our Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapists
- 2 x 30 min follow-up appointments with your Physio
- 6 x Physio-led Pilates classes – specially tailored in-clinic Physio-led reformer Pilates classes, where you will be given an individual programme dedicated to your specific goals.
Prices for the above are 15% off. Please enquire at your preferred clinic as prices vary depending on length of class.
Women’s Health Physios are located across all our clinics, in London & Lindfield, West Sussex.
Team
Our Women's Health Physiotherapists
This service is available at the following clinics:
Six Physio Chelsea Six Physio Chiswick Six Physio Finchley Rd Six Physio Fitzrovia Six Physio Kensington Six Physio Lindfield Six Physio Mansion House Six Physio Monument Six Physio Parsons Green Six Physio Borough SE1Find Your Physio
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pregnancy physiotherapy and how can it benefit me during pregnancy?
Pregnancy physiotherapy includes all the treatment that you can receive throughout your pregnancy; it will help you to understand how your body changes and how to modify your exercise routine during the different stages. Pelvic floor training and breathing techniques are two of the main topics that we like to talk about with our pregnant patients. We will also answer all your questions that you might have.
How can pregnancy physiotherapy help prepare me for labour and delivery?
Teaching you how to breathe, what Pelvic floor muscles are and how to use them, how your body changes throughout pregnancy and what to do during all the different phases. Nobody is able to predict how your labour will be, but we can give you all the information and tools you need for you to make more conscious decisions when it is time.Â
What is the difference between prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy?
Prenatal physiotherapy occurs from when you find out that you are pregnant to when you give birth. Postnatal physiotherapy starts from 6 weeks postpartum and continues until your body needs care.Â
Can pregnancy physiotherapy help with common pregnancy issues like back pain, pelvic pain, and swelling?
Absolutely yes, physiotherapy can help you with all of these pregnancy issues.
How early on in my pregnancy can I start seeing a physiotherapist?
From as early as you need. However, the internal examination is not recommended until the end of the 12 weeks mark.
Is it safe to receive physiotherapy during pregnancy?
Receiving physiotherapy during pregnancy is not only safe but strongly recommended to prevent issues that might present throughout.Â
What should I expect during a pregnancy physiotherapy session?
We are going to talk about what happens during the pregnancy, we will answer your questions and concerns and we will address if there is any specific pain or discomfort you experience. We will explain how your pelvic floor works and what is the best way to keep it active. We will also show what type of exercises are safe to do and what to avoid.
What exercises and techniques are typically used during pregnancy physiotherapy?
We usually focus on the breathing techniques and on the Pelvic floor muscles activation. The sessions can or cannot include any manual techniques, it depends on the situation. We can use some of the Pilates equipment or keep the exercises basic, on the floor, according to your condition and goals.Â
Can I continue my regular exercise routine while receiving pregnancy physiotherapy?
Absolutely, if you don’t experience any pain and you don’t have any warning from your doctor, you can continue your regular exercise routine. If you have any pain or discomfort, we might help you to change some exercises.
How often should I schedule pregnancy physiotherapy sessions?
This depends on your needs and goals; the physiotherapist will explain the plan at the end of the initial consultation and together you will agree on the frequency of the sessions.
How much does pregnancy physiotherapy typically cost?
An Initial Women’s Health 1 hour assessment is £155, with 30 minute follow-up appointments at £107. Prices can be different depending if you book the appointment with a consultant physiotherapist.
Will my insurance cover the cost of pregnancy physiotherapy?
Some insurance covers a limited number of sessions, some don’t. Please contact your insurance before booking.Â
What should I look for in a qualified pregnancy physiotherapist?
All our physiotherapists are highly qualified and they will provide the best standard of care. You can have a look at our team’s bio on our website, to know more about their background and experience.Â
What are some things I can do at home to complement my pregnancy physiotherapy sessions?
Pelvic floor exercises, breathing exercises, mobility and strengthening exercises are usually something that we recommend you to perform at home regularly.
How can women's health physiotherapy help with postpartum recovery?
A postnatal check up is advised at six weeks postpartum. This gives the new mum a chance to answer any questions she may have. The appointment is used to check your pelvic floor and core engagement, to understand your goals and help support your return to activity and exercise. It can include education on optimal bladder and bowel habits, assessment and advice on scar healing and assessment of abdominal separation. It can lastly be used to assess and treat any musculoskeletal aches and pains.
When should I begin postpartum physiotherapy and what does it involve?
We recommend booking the first postnatal session from 6 weeks after the birth.Â
It involves a total bodycheck, where we assess your mobility, the abdominal separation, the C section scar (in case you have) one and the pelvic floor muscles’s health.Â
We will go through any questions you might have. We can also support you in your breastfeeding journey.Â
Can postpartum physiotherapy help with issues like diastasis recti and pelvic organ prolapse?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for diastasis recti and pelvic organ prolapse.
How often should I schedule postpartum physiotherapy sessions?
After the initial consultation, the physiotherapist will explain the plan and together, you will agree on the number and frequency of the sessions.Â
What should I expect during a postpartum physiotherapy session?
The session will involve a physical examination, so please wear comfortable clothes. The physiotherapist might offer you a vaginal internal examination, which you will be free to reject, if you don’t feel comfortable.Â
How much is a Postnatal body check?
A Postnatal body check 1 hour assessment is £155, with 30 minute follow-up appointments at £107, should they be recommended.
What is the cost of a Postnatal package?
All packages are 15% off RRP:
- For those living in the South West, we offer hour-long Pilates classes. Total package price is £525.
- In the City of London we offer 45 minute Pilates classes in-clinic. Package price is £475.
- At Lindfield we are offering 3:1 equipment classes, with the package priced at £320.
Please note these Packages expire after 180 days.