Prenatal Physiotherapy

A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment to help you move comfortably through pregnancy, manage symptoms and prepare your body for birth.

Suitable at any stage of pregnancy, whether you are experiencing pain, pelvic floor symptoms or simply want guidance on staying active safely.

Note: The assessment and treatment described below are indicative. Your session will be tailored to your individual condition, needs and goals, and may be modified by your physiotherapist based on their clinical judgement.

Who is prenatal physiotherapy for?

Prenatal physiotherapy may be suitable if you:

• Have pelvic girdle, lower back, hip or pubic pain
• Experience urine leakage, urgency, constipation or pelvic heaviness
• Have abdominal, rib, groin or tailbone discomfort
• Experience neck, shoulder or wrist pain
• Feel discomfort walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed or getting in and out of a car
• Want guidance on exercising safely during pregnancy
• Want to prepare your pelvic floor and body for birth
• Want support planning your postpartum recovery

Common prenatal conditions and symptoms we assess

We assess and manage a range of pregnancy-related concerns, including:

• Pelvic girdle pain, lower back, hip or pubic pain
• Urine leakage, urinary urgency or frequency
• Constipation or difficulty emptying your bowels
• Pelvic heaviness, pressure or prolapse symptoms
• Abdominal, rib, groin or tailbone discomfort
• Neck, shoulder or wrist pain
• Pelvic floor weakness, tension or coordination difficulties

What happens during the appointment?

Your physiotherapist will first discuss your:

• Medical history
• Pregnancy and symptoms
• Activity levels
• Goals

This is followed by a physical assessment tailored to your concerns, which may include:

• Breathing and posture assessment
• Assessment of your back, hips and pelvic girdle
• Functional tasks such as walking, squatting, lifting or balancing
• Pelvic floor assessment via transabdominal ultrasound, external observation or internal vaginal examination, where relevant

An internal vaginal examination is always optional and will only be performed when appropriate and with your informed consent. Rest assured that our physiotherapists are all female.

Treatment may begin during the same session and may include:

• Manual therapy
• Exercise
• Symptom management strategies
• Guidance on staying active safely
• Birth prep education and perineal massage (past week 34)

What you will leave with

You will receive:

• A clear explanation of your assessment findings
• Practical guidance for managing pain and daily activities
• Strategies for breathing, core and pelvic floor coordination
• A personalised exercise plan, where appropriate
• Advice on staying active safely during pregnancy
• Guidance on preparing your body for labour, birth and postpartum recovery
• Recommendations for follow-up care

Your next steps

Depending on your assessment and goals, we may recommend:

• Prenatal Physiotherapy follow-up
• Prenatal Clinical Pilates
• Strength and Conditioning
• Birth preparation sessions
• Postpartum Physiotherapy
• Referral to another healthcare professional, where appropriate