Physiotherapy is appropriate for a number of musculoskeletal pains and aches experienced during pregnancy.

The most common problem is Back Pain; your body is carrying a lot of extra weight and your back and pelvis will bear the brunt of it. In addition, those all important abdominal muscles are being stretched so they are no longer as efficient in providing your spine with support. Throw in the hormonal changes and put in engineering terms you have to carry a greater load with less support!  Pain below your bump is often referred to pelvic pain, most associated with pregnancy as the joints of the pelvis become mobile and thus can be a source of pain. Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have Physiotherapists who are skilled at assessing and managing these problems.

What can you do?

• Posture: stand and walk tall.  No slouching. The additional weight will increase the arch in your spine so you have to make an effort to reduce it.

• Shoes:  Avoid high heels. They will also increase the arch (Lordosis) placing a lot of strain on the joints and ligaments of your low back.

• Exercise: Keep moving. Walking or exercising in the pool is ideal.  Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise unless under supervision.

• Rest: if you are tired rest.  Your body is changing rapidly.  A short rest after work in the evening can make a big difference to your energy levels

Other problems

• Sciatica: sometimes due to misalignment in your lumbar spine and pelvis or at the latter stages of your pregnancy it can be associated with the position of the baby.  In the early stages this problem responds well to Physiotherapy intervention.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: pain and or pins and needles and numbness in your wrists and hands.  Can be at its worst in the early hours of the morning when you are trying to sleep. Wrist splints often provide good relief.

Contact us at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic in Dublin 4 for further information and advice on any of the above.

Some additional advice

If you have any concerns while pregnant, please report them to your GP or obstetrician.  Do not suffer in silence. If in doubt, get it checked out. Not all aches and pains are part of being pregnant. Don’t leave it until your baby is born, you’ll have enough to do then!