While pregnancy is a joyous period in the life of any woman, it also brings with its certain discomforts. The body goes through a lot of changes during this period and conditions are back aches are quite common. Physiotherapy can help be active and physically fit during this crucial period. It also helps in easing labor and delivery.
Importance of physiotherapy:
- Strengthening of pelvic floor muscles
- Improvement in circulation
- Prevention of backache
A good physiotherapist assesses treats and educates pregnant women in safe and effective exercises for relieving pains and overall well being. The following exercises are quite helpful in this regard:
Breathing exercises: Deep breathing increases purifies the blood stream by multiplying the levels of oxygen in the body.
Foot and ankle exercise: the problem of varicose veins and swollen feet is keot at bay with foot and ankle exercises
Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles for holding the descending uterus. These ee4xercises basically involve trying to stop the flow of urine by contracting the pelvic muscles.
Abdominal muscles: side lying crunches, sitting knee lift, standing crunch and side planks are some of the abdominal exercises that are considered safe during pregnancy.
Hydrotherapy
The process of attaining relaxation, relieving pain or healing through use of water is called hydrotherapy. This treatment is highly effective for pregnant women. Stretching exercises, walking and squatting in water tones the muscles and also relaxes them.
It is recommended that exercises concerning lying on the stomach should not be done after the first three months of pregnancy. This is so because the weight of the baby is likely to affect the blood circulation. Pregnant women should avoid long periods of standing. A trained physiotherapist will guide you to the dos and don’ts of exercises so that you have a safe and enjoyable period.