Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of a woman’s life. However, it also brings its fair share of discomforts and challenges. The aches, the pains, the constant adjustments as your body grows to accommodate a tiny human. If you’re one of the many women struggling with back pain or pelvic discomfort during pregnancy, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the company of nearly 50–80% of pregnant women who experience similar issues.
But here’s the thing: You don’t have to simply “push through” the discomfort. There’s a solution that’s not only safe for both you and your baby but also incredibly effective at helping you feel better, move more comfortably, and prepare for labor. That solution is pregnancy physiotherapy.
Most pregnant women ask this question: “Can we do physiotherapy during pregnancy?“
The answer is a big YES
Pregnancy physiotherapy, also known as antenatal physiotherapy, is professionally referred to as prenatal physiotherapy or sometimes Pregnancy MOT. These terms share the same goal, follow the same practices, and offer the same benefits.
In this blog article, we’ll explore:
What is Pregnancy Physiotherapy?
Common Pregnancy-Related Physical Challenges
Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
When is the Right Time to Start Pregnancy Physiotherapy?
How to Choose the Right Physiotherapist for Pregnancy
Why Physiotherapy During Pregnancy is a Must
Safe Exercises for Pregnant Women
How to Start and Everything You Need to Know
Let’s dive in.
What Exactly is Pregnancy Physiotherapy?
Let’s break it down: pregnancy physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy tailored specifically for expecting mothers. It helps you manage the physical changes your body goes through during pregnancy by focusing on pain relief, mobility, and strengthening key muscle groups like your pelvic floor, abdomen, and lower back.
Unlike general physiotherapy, pregnancy physio tailors exercises and techniques to the needs of pregnant women, ensuring everything is safe for both mother and baby.
This includes treating common conditions like back pain, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain, and posture-related discomforts.
The aim? A smoother pregnancy, easier labor, and faster postpartum recovery.
Common Pregnancy-Related Physical Challenges
Pregnancy can take a toll on your body in a variety of ways. Some of the most common issues that pregnant women face include:
- Back Pain Relief During Pregnancy: One of the most frequent complaints, caused by changes in posture and the growing weight of the baby.
- Sciatica in Pregnancy: A painful condition that affects the sciatic nerve, causing shooting pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs.
- Pelvic Girdle Pain: Discomfort in the pelvic region, which can occur as your body adjusts to accommodate your growing baby.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pressure on the wrist’s median nerve due to fluid retention during pregnancy, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands.
- Posture Issues: The shift in the body’s center of gravity during pregnancy can lead to poor posture and strain on the spine, shoulders, and neck.
- Pregnancy physiotherapy addresses these issues by focusing on exercises that relieve pain, improve posture, and strengthen muscles affected by pregnancy.
Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
Pregnant Women Physiotherapy has many benefits, both short-term and long-term. It can make your pregnancy more comfortable and help you recover faster after delivery. The benefits of pregnancy physical therapy are powerful:
- Pain Relief: For back, pelvic, and sciatic discomforts.
- Posture Correction During Pregnancy: As your baby grows, your posture can shift, leading to additional strain on your back and neck. Physiotherapy for pregnant women helps correct posture and prevent long-term musculoskeletal problems.
- Pelvic Floor Strengthening: Pelvic floor physiotherapy pregnancy helps strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and uterus. This is essential for preventing incontinence and prolapse post-delivery.
Safe Movement: Improves general fitness safely, boosting energy levels and mental well-being.
Labor Preparation: Builds strength and flexibility for a smoother delivery.
When is the Right Time to Start Pregnancy Physiotherapy?
You can start pregnancy physiotherapy anytime, but most experts recommend beginning during the second trimester, once early nausea and fatigue settle.
- First Trimester: Focus on posture correction, managing early pregnancy discomforts, and treating any pre-existing musculoskeletal problems.
- Second Trimester: Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the abdomen and spine, improving flexibility, and alleviating any discomfort as your body adjusts to the growing baby.
- Third Trimester: Physiotherapists help prepare you for labor by focusing on pelvic floor exercises, flexibility, relaxation techniques, and pain management strategies.
- Early Start vs. Delayed Start: For women who are having complications or high-risk pregnancies, offer advice on when to delay or start cautiously.
At AlphaOne Physiotherapy, Chiro & Massage – Calgary NE, we specialize in safe and personalized physiotherapy programs in calgary northeast to support you through every stage of your pregnancy journey. Our expert team ensures you get the right care at the right time, helping you feel stronger, more comfortable, and prepared for delivery.
What Happens in a Prenatal Physiotherapy Session?
A prenatal physio session isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s completely tailored to your needs and can include:
- Postural assessment
- Targeted exercises (like pelvic tilts, wall squats, gentle core activation)
- Pelvic floor training and bladder control tips
- Safe stretches and techniques for sciatica or carpal tunnel
- Manual therapy if needed
- Labor prep tools (breathing, positions, relaxation)
- Homework routines to practice safely at home
Call Now and (403) 768-3000 Book your prenatal physiotherapy session in calgary NE with AlphaOne Physio today and feel the difference expert care can make.
Safe Exercises for Pregnant Women | Exercise in pregnancy
Under the supervision of a qualified pregnancy physiotherapist, these exercises are not only safe—they’re one of the best things you can do for your body right now.
Some of the most trusted pregnancy physiotherapy exercises include: and Pregnant women doing this exercise at home
- Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises
- Cat-cow stretch (spinal mobility)
- Wall sits (low-impact leg strength)
- Side-lying leg lifts
- Breathwork and diaphragmatic breathing
How to Choose the Right Physiotherapist for Pregnancy: Tips You Need to Know
- Specialized Certifications: In prenatal and postnatal care.
- Referrals and Recommendations: Ask your OB-GYN, midwife, or other healthcare providers for recommendations.
- Comfort and Communication: Choose a physiotherapist who makes you feel comfortable and can answer your questions.
- Location and Availability: Consider physiotherapists who offer at-home services or voucher pregnancy physiotherapy treatmentoptions for convenience.
Massage + Physio = The Ultimate Postpartum Duo
After birth, your body needs care and time to heal. Postnatal physiotherapy helps you reconnect with your core, correct posture (especially if breastfeeding), and reduce pelvic heaviness.
Massage therapy complements this beautifully by:
- Reducing fluid retention
- Relieving muscle soreness
- Supporting C-section scar tissue
- Calming the nervous system
Many physiotherapy centers now offer combined packages—or you can even gift a voucher for pregnancy physiotherapy treatment to a mom-to-be in your life.
Conclution
Pregnancy is a profound experience, and your body is doing something incredible. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept the discomfort, stiffness, or pain as just “part of the deal.”
At AlphaOne Physiotherapy, Chiro & Massage – Calgary NE, we specialize in caring for you during every stage of pregnancy. Whether you’re looking for expert pregnancy physio, safe pregnancy physical therapy, or holistic physiotherapy for pregnancy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
