Physiotherapy during pregnancy

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Pregnancy physiotherapy is a specialized form of treatment that supports you during this special phase of life with preventive and therapeutic measures. As part of this holistic care, we provide individual treatments that are specifically tailored to the physical changes of each trimester and relieve typical complaints. We combine manual techniques such as gentle mobilization, special massages and lymphatic drainage with an adapted exercise programme to strengthen your postural muscles and pelvic floor.

Based on a careful assessment, our experienced physiotherapists develop an individual treatment plan and derive specific exercises and recommendations for your everyday life. We teach you effective strategies for correcting your posture, relaxation techniques and specific exercises to prepare for the birth and the time afterwards.

Areas of application:

•        Relief of back and pelvic pain

•        Treatment of SI joint and symphysis complaints

•        Reduction of muscle tension and oedema

•        Strengthening of the trunk and pelvic floor muscles

•        Preparation for birth and postnatal recovery

Physiotherapy during pregnancy

Pregnancy brings many physical changes. As specialized physiotherapists at the Kineo practice in Thalwil, we accompany you through this special time, help you relieve typical complaints and prepare you optimally for the birth.

How does your body change?

1st trimester:

·       Hormonal changes: An increase in progesterone and oestrogen, which can loosen the ligaments and joints.

·       Changes in the circulatory system: Blood pressure drops because the blood vessels widen. Dizziness,...

·       Nausea and vomiting (especially in the morning): Caused by hormonal changes.

·       Fatigue: Due to the additional strain on the body.

·       Frequent urination: Due to the growing uterus and the pressure on the bladder.

2nd trimester:

·       Growth of the belly: The uterus enlarges, placing greater strain on the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor.

·       Hormonal changes: The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments and joints, which improves mobility but also increases the risk of instability.

·       Improvement of symptoms: Many women experience less nausea and vomiting and feel more energetic.

·       Increased weight gain: The body stores more fat to support the baby.

·       Stretch marks: Stretching of the skin, especially on the belly, hips and breasts.

3rd trimester:

·       Increasing strain: The growing belly can lead to back pain, especially in the lower back.

·       Change in posture: The body's centre of gravity shifts forward, changing the posture of the spine and pelvis.

·       Pregnancy hormone relaxin: Loosens the ligaments further and can lead to joint pain and instability.

·       Fluid retention: The increased blood volume and the pressure on the veins can cause swelling in the legs and feet.

·      Amniotic fluid and the baby's weight: The waist circumference increases, which makes movement more difficult.

Pregnancy physiotherapy: how we can help you

Our physiotherapy treatments and exercises are specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women:

For hormonal changes and loosened joints

•        Pelvic floor training: Strengthening to prevent incontinence and to support the body's tissues

•        Targeted strengthening: Stabilization of the abdominal and back muscles to reduce joint instability

•        Gentle joint mobilization: To relieve pain and improve mobility

For changes in posture and statics

•        Posture correction: Advice on ergonomic posture in everyday life

•        Back and core strengthening: Targeted exercises to stabilize the spine

•        Gait analysis: Support in avoiding incorrect loading caused by the changed gait

For muscle tension

•        Gentle stretching exercises: Especially for the back, neck and shoulders

•        Targeted massages: Releasing tension and promoting blood circulation

•        Relaxation techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises

For pelvic pain (SI joint and symphysis pain)

•        Posture training: Correct positions in everyday life and while sleeping

Mobilizing and stretching

•        Specific exercises: Cat-Cow,

•        Pregnancy massages: Soothing treatments on specially adapted pregnancy tables for maximum comfort in every trimester

•        Manual lymphatic drainage: Professional treatments to effectively reduce swelling, especially in the legs and feet

•        Individual physiotherapy: Personal advice on posture, movement and ergonomic behaviour in everyday life during pregnancy. Targeted exercises to prevent typical pregnancy complaints.

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Pregnancy complaints our physiotherapy can help with

Various complaints can occur during pregnancy that can significantly affect your well-being:

•        Pregnancy-related back pain (especially in the lower back)

•        Pelvic girdle pain and pelvic instability

•        SI joint complaints (pain in the sacroiliac joint)

•        Symphysis pain (pain in the front of the pelvis)

•        Pregnancy-related muscle tension (in the back, neck and shoulders)

•        Peripheral oedema (fluid retention in the legs and feet)

•        Pregnancy-related circulatory problems and dizziness

•        Pelvic floor dysfunction and weakness

•        Pregnancy-related posture problems due to the shifted centre of gravity

•        Carpal tunnel syndrome due to hormonal changes

•        Diastasis recti (separation of the straight abdominal muscles)

•        Neck tension due to changed sleeping positions

Why pregnancy physiotherapy is so important

Professional physiotherapy support during pregnancy offers you numerous benefits:

•        Prevention instead of treatment: Many pregnancy complaints can be prevented through early and targeted exercises

•        Faster recovery after birth: Strengthened muscles support the recovery process

•        Better body awareness: You learn to interpret your body's signals correctly and to respond appropriately

•        Long-term health: Strong pelvic floor muscles help prevent incontinence and prolapse

•        Safety for you and your baby: All exercises and treatments are specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women

With professional guidance, exercise and sport during pregnancy are safe and help prevent most pregnancy-related complications.

Benefits:

Exercise during pregnancy

After pregnancy

-              Higher incidence of vaginal births

Lower incidence of

-               excessive weight gain

-              gestational diabetes

-              hypertension

-              premature births

-              caesarean sections

-              low birth weight

-              physical pain and limitations in activities of daily living

-              Lower incidence of diastasis recti

-              Weight loss & weight management

-              Reduced risk of postpartum depression/symptoms

-              Lower risk of incontinence

Our experienced physiotherapists at the Kineo practice in Thalwil create an individual treatment plan that takes your specific needs into account and guides you optimally through this special phase of life. We work closely with your medical care team to provide you with holistic care.

Contact and appointments

Book your pregnancy treatment online

Would you like to find out more about our physiotherapy services during pregnancy or make an appointment? Contact our specialized pregnancy physiotherapist Theresa Bitterlich at the Kineo practice on Gotthardstrasse in Thalwil. We look forward to accompanying you professionally on your way to motherhood!

All treatments are covered by health insurance (basic and supplementary insurance).

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