When we think about pregnancy care and women’s health, we often picture obstetricians, midwives, and gynecologists. But there’s another healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond: the physiotherapist.
Here’s something that might surprise you: approximately 33% of women experience urinary incontinence within the first three months after giving birth, and around 60% of women develop diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) at six weeks postpartum. These aren’t rare complications; they’re incredibly common experiences that often go unaddressed simply because women don’t know help is available.
Physiotherapy in obstetrics and gynecology is a specialized field that addresses these and other unique physical challenges women face throughout their reproductive years. Let’s explore how physiotherapy supports women’s health across different stages.
What is Obstetrics and Gynecology?
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what we mean by obstetrics and gynecology.
Obstetrics is the branch of medicine focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Gynecology deals with the health of the female reproductive system, including conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and related structures.
Together, these fields encompass women’s reproductive health from puberty through menopause and beyond.
Supporting You Through Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings remarkable changes to a woman’s body, and not all of them are comfortable. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, hormones loosen your joints, and extra weight puts strain on your muscles and spine.
This is where physiotherapy becomes invaluable. Physiotherapists can help manage common pregnancy discomforts including:
- Lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain
- Sciatica and postural changes
- Swelling and circulation issues
- Muscle weakness and joint instability
They assess your posture and movement patterns, then create personalized exercise programs to strengthen the muscles that support your changing body.
But it’s not just about managing pain. Antenatal physiotherapy also prepares you for labor and delivery. Many women find that staying active under physiotherapy guidance helps them feel more confident and physically prepared for childbirth.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
While your primary care will come from your obstetrician or midwife, the techniques you learn from a physiotherapist can make a real difference during labor.
Physiotherapists can educate you on:
- Breathing techniques to help you through contractions
- Pelvic floor awareness and how to work with your body during pushing
- Positioning strategies that may help labor progress more smoothly
- Techniques that potentially reduce the risk of perineal tears
- Perineal massage that partners can help with in the weeks before delivery
The Crucial Postpartum Period
Here’s something many new mothers don’t realize until after giving birth: your body needs rehabilitation after pregnancy and delivery, just as it would after any major physical event.
The postpartum period is where physiotherapy truly shines. After nine months of pregnancy and the intensity of childbirth, your body needs specialized attention. Common postpartum concerns that physiotherapists address include:
- Diastasis recti: the separation of abdominal muscles that requires specific exercises to heal properly
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: which can lead to urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse: weakening of support structures
- Cesarean section recovery: including scar tissue management and safe movement patterns
- Core stability issues: affecting posture and function
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is particularly critical. During pregnancy and vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles undergo significant stress. While urinary incontinence affects many women postpartum, it’s often mistakenly considered “normal” when it’s actually treatable. Physiotherapists use various techniques including pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, and education to restore proper function and improve quality of life.
Beyond Pregnancy: Gynecological Health
Physiotherapy’s role in women’s health extends far beyond pregnancy. Many gynecological conditions benefit significantly from physiotherapy intervention.
Chronic pelvic pain affects many women and can have various causes, from endometriosis to muscle tension. Physiotherapists trained in pelvic health use manual therapy, exercises, and pain management strategies to address these issues.
Pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs descend due to weakened support structures, is another condition where physiotherapy plays a vital role. Through targeted strengthening and lifestyle modifications, physiotherapists can help manage symptoms and sometimes prevent the need for surgery.
Other gynecological conditions that respond well to physiotherapy include:
- Vaginismus: involuntary muscle spasm making penetration difficult or impossible
- Dyspareunia: painful intercourse with various underlying causes
- Urinary incontinence: both stress and urge incontinence
- Endometriosis-related pain: managing musculoskeletal components
- Pre-menstrual syndrome: reducing pain and discomfort through exercise and education
Surgical Support
If you’re facing gynecological surgery, whether it’s a hysterectomy, prolapse repair, or other procedure, physiotherapy can support you before and after the operation.
Pre-surgical physiotherapy helps optimize your strength and function, which can contribute to better surgical outcomes. Post-surgical rehabilitation guides your recovery, helps prevent complications, and supports your safe return to normal activities.
The Bottom Line
Physiotherapy in obstetrics and gynecology is about more than just treating problems. It’s about empowering women with knowledge about their bodies and providing tools for optimal function throughout different life stages.
Whether you’re planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, recovering from childbirth, or managing a gynecological condition, physiotherapy offers evidence-based support tailored to your needs. The key is recognizing that many of the physical challenges women face during these times aren’t just “normal” things you have to live with. They’re treatable conditions that respond well to physiotherapy intervention.
Your body does incredible things throughout your reproductive years. With the right support from a skilled physiotherapist, you can navigate these changes with greater comfort, confidence, and physical wellbeing.
Note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation and before starting any new treatment or exercise program.