Pregnancy, while very exciting, can also be physically demanding. Many pregnant women experience painful conditions during pregnancy, including back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain, to name a few. Physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall health and well-being during pregnancy. However, you may not realize that physical therapy can be tailored to your pregnancy. So how do you start?
Your OB/GYN or primary care physician can refer you to obstetric physical therapy. Your physical therapist can provide interventions that reduce pain, improve the strength needed during pregnancy, and help keep you active and moving during pregnancy. They can also teach you techniques that may aid in labor and delivery. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy can create a treatment plan customized to your specific pregnancy needs and goals, including preparing for birth and exercising during your pregnancy. Even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, keep reading to learn more about what to expect during an obstetric health physical therapy evaluation and whether or not it may be right for you.
What happens during an obstetric evaluation?
Before we discuss the evaluation, let’s go through the process that gets you to an obstetric assessment with a physical therapist. Your OB/GYN oversees your health during pregnancy from a medical perspective. An obstetric physical therapist can help you manage painful physical conditions that commonly arise during pregnancy and navigate your body through day-to-day life while decreasing the risk of injury to you or your baby. Physical therapy can also be essential to maintaining regular exercise and preparing your body for labor and delivery.
If you are experiencing issues or have further questions about your pregnancy, your OB/GYN or primary care physician may refer you to a physical therapist. Even if your doctor does not mention physical therapy, you can ask them if it would benefit you to get a referral. An obstetric physical therapy evaluation may be most beneficial for you if you are experiencing pain, are postpartum and navigating returning to typical activities or exercise, or want to make sure your fitness routine is safe during or after pregnancy.
When you come in for your evaluation, your therapist will review your medical history and ask about any concerns you have about your pregnancy, including pain, pelvic floor symptoms, and exercise. Your therapist will also assess your posture, mobility, and strength and provide suggestions accordingly.
What happens after the evaluation?
Your therapist will discuss examination findings with you, and together you’ll create a treatment plan to reach your goals. Here are some examples of other next steps after your evaluation.
- Starting regular physical therapy sessions: Your physical therapist may recommend starting regular physical therapy sessions to work on specific areas of concern, such as back pain, pelvic pain, or muscle weakness. Depending on your needs, these sessions may be scheduled weekly or biweekly.
- Referral to other healthcare providers: If the physical therapist identifies any issues that require medical intervention, they can communicate with your referring OB/GYN for further evaluation through notes or over the phone.
- Education and instruction: The physical therapist may provide the patient with education and teaching on exercises, stretches, and other interventions that you can do at home to complement the in-person sessions.
- Follow-up evaluations: If you don't need regularly scheduled appointments, your physical therapist may make recommendations for you to do on your own and see you back later in your pregnancy or after delivery.
It is important to note that every patient's situation is unique, and the next steps after your evaluation will depend on your individual needs and goals.
How else can physical therapy help during pregnancy?
Now you know more about what will happen when you come to your first obstetric physical therapy appointment. You can come in for your evaluation without a referral, but we recommend talking to your OB/GYN about continuing treatment. Your physical therapist will communicate with your doctor every step of the way, including getting their sign-off on treatment plans.
Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy can meet you where you are in your journey and serve as an encouraging ally and expert member of your care team, including advising on staying fit and keeping yourself and your baby healthy. If you are curious about what women's health physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.
