Let’s face it—pregnancy is no walk in the park. Your body’s going through major changes, and with that comes a fair share of discomfort, from back pain to pelvic pressure. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be something you just “deal with.”
Physiotherapy is a powerful ally during pregnancy, helping to manage everything from pelvic pain to posture problems that sneak up as your body adjusts. It’s not just about getting quick relief—it’s about setting yourself up for long-term health. Whether you’re working on easing that persistent backache or strengthening your pelvic floor post-baby, physio can help you feel strong, supported, and comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.
Why See a Women’s Health Specialist?
Women’s health often sits in a unique space—one where the needs are specific, and yet they’re too often overlooked in general healthcare. Issues like pelvic pain, incontinence, and postnatal recovery aren’t always given the attention they deserve by standard practitioners, who might offer broad solutions that don’t quite hit the mark. That’s why choosing a women’s health specialist can be so empowering.
A specialist in this field (like Physio Connect’s expert Dr Julie Blades) understands the complexities of the female body, not just from a medical standpoint but with a focus on the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that are unique to women. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth or navigating menopause, a women’s health physio brings targeted expertise that general practitioners may lack. This isn’t just about addressing discomfort—it’s about tackling the root causes and providing solutions that genuinely improve your quality of life.
Essentially, when you’re choosing a physio, you want someone who knows your body’s unique needs, and that’s exactly what a women’s health specialist provides: expertise that’s all about you. Below we’ve set out the three key ways they can help throughout your pregnancy journey.
Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
If you’ve ever felt sharp pains in your pelvis during pregnancy, you’re definitely not alone. Pain through the sacroiliac joints or the pubic symphysis (that tricky spot at the front of your pelvis) is incredibly common. In fact, up to 20% of pregnant women deal with pelvic girdle pain at some point during their pregnancy. It’s no joke, and it can make simple things like walking or standing pretty uncomfortable.
This is where physio comes to the rescue. A women’s health physiotherapist can assess your body, figure out what’s causing the pain, and help you with strengthening exercises to stabilise the muscles around your pelvis. Sometimes, they might even recommend external supports like a pelvic belt to take some pressure off and give you the relief you need.
Pregnancy-Focused Pilates
When it comes to staying strong, stable, and prepared for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, Pilates really shines. As a low-impact, core-strengthening exercise, it helps to improve posture, strengthen your pelvic floor, and boost overall flexibility—all things that are essential as your body adapts to carrying a growing baby. Plus, research shows that women who practice Pilates throughout pregnancy often experience less pain during labour and it can even reduce their chances of needing a C-section.
You might wonder, “Why not just join a regular Pilates class?” Well, while general Pilates is great, it’s not designed with the unique needs of pregnant women in mind. That’s where working with a women’s health physio who’s certified in pre and post-natal Pilates makes all the difference. They understand the specific physical changes happening at each stage of pregnancy and can tailor exercises to suit you and your baby’s safety. This means no guessing about which movements are safe or worrying about your form—you’ll have expert guidance to ensure you’re getting the benefits without the risks.
Post Natal Incontinence
Finally, we want to touch on something a lot of women face but rarely discuss post-natal incontinence. It’s one of those things that often comes as an unwelcome surprise after having a baby, but it’s far more common than people realise. Whether it’s stress incontinence (leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or lift something heavy) or urge incontinence (that sudden, overwhelming need to run to the bathroom), you are definitely not alone.
A women’s health physio is trained to understand exactly what your body has been through during pregnancy and birth. They can assess your pelvic floor and design a personalised plan to help you regain control. For stress incontinence, physio often focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, so they can better support your bladder and prevent those little leaks. For urge incontinence, the focus might be on retraining your bladder and pelvic muscles to respond differently to signals of urgency, helping you regain control over those sudden urges.
The great thing about working with a physio is that it’s not just about doing kegels and calling it a day. They’ll guide you through exercises that are specific to your needs and make sure you’re doing them correctly for the best results.
You Deserve Better
Pregnancy and post-natal recovery are unique journeys, and your body deserves care that’s tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, post-natal incontinence, or simply looking to regain your strength through pilates, our women’s health physiotherapy sessions are here to support you every step of the way.
At Physio Connect, we believe in empowering women with the right tools and expert care to navigate these challenges confidently. Don’t let discomfort hold you back—reach out to us today and start feeling stronger, more comfortable and more prepared.
