What to expect when you're expecting
body changes through pregnancy
Every pregnancy is different, whether you are on baby number 1 or baby number 5, if you are comparing yourself to a sister or even a friend. The journey through pregnancy is an individualized, challenging and rewarding journey. Shanice Gabriel, Senior Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Movement 101 shares with us her insights on the topic.
What changes occur to the body?
- Anterior pelvic tilt: as your belly grows, your pelvis comes into an anterior position to make room for your uterus, this can mean you can feel increased pressure in the lower back. This increases the further along into your pregnancy you are, normally starting around 20 weeks gestation.
- Center of gravity changes: as the position of your pelvis comes forward, it means your base of support changes too. This can make you feel more wobbly and makes falls more common in pregnancy.
- Abdominal separation: increased distance between the connective tissue of the two sides of the abdominal muscles is a normal part of pregnancy, it means your belly is growing! Often you will start to notice a ‘cone’ or ‘dome-like’ shape in the middle of your abdomen during certain movements.
- Joint pains: thoracic spine and rib pain, pubic bone pain, sacroiliac joint pain, lower back pain, hip pain, round ligament pain are all common areas of ligamentous, fascial, muscular and pressure changes during pregnancy.
- Pelvic floor issues: constipation or incontinence of the bladder, bowel, wind can occur due to increased pressure on the pelvic organs, pelvic floor and hormonal changes.
Why your pelvic floor matters:
Many changes occur to the pelvic floor during pregnancy - whether you end up having a vaginal or c-section, you have carried a baby for 9 months! Doing ‘Kegal’ exercises do not fix all pelvic floor issues - there could be problems with letting go, endurance, coordination, or weakness.
Many women do not do pelvic floor exercises correctly - an internal pelvic floor assessment done by a physiotherapist can help identify if you are doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly, and design a specific program for you.
How can women’s health physiotherapy help?
Women’s health physiotherapy can help you diagnose, treat and plan for any concerns, pains, or discomforts that you have during your pregnancy. It can also help you continue to exercise and stay active during your pregnancy. Finally, your women’s health physio will be able to assess your pelvic floor and help you prepare for birth.
Want to keep moving safely and connect to a local community of mamas-to-be during your pregnancy?
Check our Scout timetable of classes as we offer a wide range of Prenatal Reformer, Mat Pilates & Yoga classes suitable to all levels and stages of pregnancy to support your physical and mental health through this transformative journey!