Pregnancy and Post Partum Program

About the Pregnancy and Post Partum Program

Pregnancy is an exciting time in any woman’s life. At pt Health, we work with pregnant mothers to relieve pain and tension experienced during pregnancy and help prepare the body for labour and post-partum recovery.

Our program:

Helps relieve pregnancy related aches and pains.
Improves preparation for labour.
Promotes faster, safer and effective postpartum recovery.
Medication free.
Covered by most insurance plans.

What is it?

The Pregnancy and Post Partum Program is composed of educational and therapeutic components. The program is designed to provide women who are pregnant or post partum with a method to deal with pregnancy and recovery related pain through specific relief strategies.

Physical, emotional, and biological changes during and after pregnancy have a significant impact on a woman’s body. More often than not, women – especially first-time mothers – find it challenging to deal with the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

In response to this, the Pregnancy and Post Partum Program empowers women so that they can manage and eliminate their pain.

For the most part, post partum issues are due to changes in the posture of the woman’s body during pregnancy. Many of these problems can be can be resolved by techniques and exercises designed to relieve muscle soreness, aid joint flexibility as well as stress and relaxation training.

How it Helps

One of the leading post partum difficulties a mother encounters are the many aches and pains that come after child delivery as the body readjusts to the physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that occur. Seeing a physiotherapist has helped many mothers through the first year after childbirth particularly with incontinence, joint dysfunctions, muscle soreness, and other functional impairments.

Always listen to what your body tells you. Do not push through an exercise if you start to feel pain. It is very important that you consult with your physician before beginning a postpartum exercise program.

Common Questions

What are the best post partum exercises?

Two of the most important exercises that should be focused on after delivery are pelvic floor exercises and core muscle retraining. Pelvic floor muscles are stretched past their normal length after childbirth and Kegel exercises will help maintain muscle tone to reduce the occurrence of incontinence. Start with a simple workout routine to restore the endurance of the core muscles, but remember that this is a gradual process which can take up to one year. It is also important to have your exercise routine adjusted by your physiotherapist if you are diagnosed with diastasis recti.

Do post partum exercises have an effect on milk production?

Based on a study at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, exercises after childbirth have no effect on milk production. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you should not nurse your baby right after an exercise session since lactic acid is produced and changes the taste of the breast milk. Some infants tend to reject it so it is advisable to feed your baby before exercising.

When is the best time to start post partum exercises?

Each new mother has a different level of post partum recovery time. Some women who have a natural delivery without complications and whose bleeding has stopped completely have been known to begin postpartum exercises four weeks after childbirth; however most obstetricians and gynecologists recommend six weeks of recuperation before starting any form of exercise, especially for those who underwent a cesarian. You should also progress gradually through physical activities and functional tasks, increasing intensity and duration appropriately and with the direction of your physiotherapist.

How will you know if you are exercising too much?

he best way to know if you are exerting too much effort on your post partum exercises is through monitoring any spotting or bleeding that may occur. If this occurs, cease your exercises and speak to your physiotherapist and consult with your physician.

Coverage Options

pt Health therapy services are covered by most extended health insurance companies and in some cases Veterans Affairs and Medicare – such as OHIP (Ontario), Alberta Health Care and Medical Service Plan MSP (British Columbia). Not sure if you’re covered? No problem. We can help you find out (and usually within the hour). Just call us toll free at 1-866-749-7461.

At pt Health we believe your health should come first. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on getting better, plus we offer direct insurance billing, saving you time and up front costs.

Ready to feel your best? Schedule an appointment at any one of our convenient locations near you or BOOK ONLINE!

Learn More About pt Health Coverage Options

Research

The systematic review published in the WHO Reproductive Health Library have reported that postpartum women suffering from incontinence but who underwent an intensive pelvic floor muscle training are less like to report of urinary incontinence at 12 months after delivery.

Another research study from the School of Population Health Sciences in University of Newcastle in Australia also supported that physiotherapeutic intervention helps postpartum women to be less susceptible to urinary incontinence.

Book an Appointment Today!

1-866-749-7461 BOOK ONLINE