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| Childbirth
Preparation Physiotherapists play an important role in the antenatal care of pregnant women and their preparation for labour, birth and parenting. They are trained in educating women about the principles of back care, the need for good posture, appropriate lifting skills sitting and standing postures during pregnancy. They also educate women about the role of the abdominal muscles in supporting the back and pelvic floor and teach exercises to maintain fitness and strength in these muscles. Role of physiotherapy The role of physiotherapists in antenatal education is to prepare couples for labour and birth in the early days in hospital and the first weeks at home with the new baby. The importance of daily rest is emphasised in conjunction with gentle exercise to help mothers return to optimal fitness and physical well being. Couples are taught correct lifting techniques and how correct posture can be maintained when breastfeeding or attending to the needs of the baby. They may also be educated about baby massage and the importance of the prone position in the child's development. Physiotherapists play a further role in educating women about pelvic floor function, correct exercise techniques and the benefits of regular exercise. They provide information about general exercise during pregnancy, as well as teaching specific exercise techniques to maintain flexibility and strength, what can be done safely and what should be avoided. They are skilled in helping prepare pregnant women and their partners or support people for the physical work of labour. Physiotherapists will teach physical relaxation skills in conjunction with breathing awareness, encouraging women to remain active in labour. Expectant mothers are taught a variety of labouring positions to allow gravity to assist while remaining relaxed and comfortable. Physiotherapists provide information about the use of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) during labour, giving women the opportunity to use effective analgesia without the risk of side effects from drugs. Hot and cold massage is also employed to offer pain relief. Other conditions related to pregnancy can also be successfully treated by a physiotherapist e.g. varicose veins can be treated using compression stockings and specific exercises. Carpel tunnel compression is treated using ultrasound, icing and splinting. Benefits of physiotherapy Physiotherapy skills are an integral part of childbirth preparation, particularly in providing information and, where appropriate, treatment for: |
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| Finding a
Physiotherapist
Would you like
the names of physiotherapists who have a special interest in
Childbirth? Childbirth falls under the categories of Women's
Health, Continence and Incontinence in our online search
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| © By courtesy of the Australian Physiotherapy Association | ||