Physical Therapy and Pregnancy

The changes associated with pregnancy can contribute to low back pain before and after childbirth. During pregnancy, it can be related to the changing center of gravity or forward tilting of the pelvis with the baby in the front of the spine. During pregnancy the body produces relaxin, a hormone that allows ligaments of the pelvis to stretch more so childbirth can occur. That extra movement in the joints of the low back and pelvis can also lead to pain in some individuals. When this extra movement, sometimes referred to as instability, causes pain, physical therapy treatment is focused on stabilization and strengthening exercises to improve the support surrounding muscles provide to these joints. Also, pelvic tilt exercises, postural corrections and instructions on more comfortable ways to hold or carry the baby after delivery can decrease pain. Occasionally, braces can be helpful to add stability for what is usually a temporary issue. Sometimes a separation of the vertical abdominal muscles occurs during pregnancy (diastasis recti); a physical therapist can assess whether this is present and to what degree before giving specific exercises to address it.

The American Physical Therapy Associate provides some Posture Tips for Moms at the following link:
http://www.moveforwardpt.com/resources/detail.aspx?cid=1a4cc05b-761e-4441-8c42-dd730efc186d

Schubbe-Resch has physical therapists and physical therapist assistants that specialize in the treatment of low back pain and numerous other orthopedic conditions.