Antenatal & Postnatal Physiotherapy

Antenal Physiotherapy

Common Problems during Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about a multitude of both physical and psychological changes mummies. In addition to hormonal fluctuations, shifts in body shape, and an increased frequency of urinary habits, women also encounter alterations in role expectations, heightened stress levels, evolving mental health dynamics, and varying degrees of discomfort. These collective changes contribute to an overall sense of difference that mummies experience during pregnancy. 

Common problems mummies face: 

  •  Backaches
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Bladder Issues
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling of Breathlessness
  • Fluid Retention
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Pre-eclampsia (Characterized by high blood pressure)
There’s often a misconception that exercise should be avoided during pregnancy, leading many expectant mummies to halt their physical activities altogether. However, this notion doesn’t hold true. It’s important to realize that certain forms of exercise are safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Even if you weren’t physically active before becoming pregnant, you can begin by introducing exercise slowly and gradually intensifying as you go. Basic exercises like 10 minutes of daily walk can go a long way in alleviating pregnancy-related fatigue and improving sleep quality at night. 

How can Physiotherapy help during Pregnancy?

Physiotherapy plays a significant role in aiding pregnancy by effectively addressing various challenges. 

This includes:

  •  Pain Management Strategies (Postural Correction, Stretches, Strengthening Exercises, etc.)
  • Exercises to manage Bladder Issues
  • Guidance on Breathing Techniques to alleviate Breathlessness
  • Gentle Limb Massages to manage Fluid Retention
  • Exercise Program to promote Physical Activity

Postnatal Physiotherapy

Common Problems Post-delivery

After delivery, common problems that mummies face include:

  1.  Engorgement / Blocked Ducts – Arises approximately 4-5 days after delivery, coinciding with the transition from colostrum to mature breast milk and a subsequent surge in milk volume. This results in an unusually full and painful sensation in the breasts. 
  2. Diastasis Recti – During pregnancy, the rectus abdominis muscle is prone to stretching, with up to 2/3 of women experiencing muscle separation. Post-delivery, most instances of Diastisis Recti resolve within about 8 weeks. Notably, the degree of separation correlates with the likelihood of experiencing postpartum low back pain. 
  3.  Pelvic Floor Weakness – Pregnancy-related weight gain can lead to pelvic floor weakness or urinary incontinence following childbirth. This elevates the risk of conditions like cervix prolapse and urine leakage during moments of laughter, coughing or sneezing. 
  4. Mummy’s Hand (DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) – Approximately 25% of new mummies might encounter ‘mummy’s hand’, characterized by thumb or wrist discomfort. This issue stems from increased hand and wrist use while attending to the baby. Such pain often results from inflammation or swelling in the tendons governing hand and wrist movement.

How can we help Post-Delivery?

Kelly Qiu

Lactation Consultant and Physiotherapist

Kelly leads our Women’s Health Physiotherapy Service with a strong passion for assisting mothers through pregnancy-related and postpartum challenges. She coordinates antenatal and postnatal programs designed to alleviate pregnancy discomfort and address issues like Diastasis Recti (DR). Her dedication extends to breastfeeding support, where she is one of Singapore’s few physiotherapists certified as a Lactation Consultant. Recognized by the International Board of Lactation Examiners, she holds the title of a Certified Breastfeeing Specialist. Kelly’s commitment to holistic care empowers her to guide mothers through both musculoskeletal and breastfeeding concerns, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their well-being. Additionally, Kelly remains deeply dedicated to geriatric and stroke rehabilitation, exemplified by her home visitations for patients’ initial recovery stages. She applies her expertise creatively, utilizing exercises and readily available home equipment to promote graceful and dignified aging. 

Academic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), 2019
  • Diploma in Physiotherapy, Nanyang Polytechnic (Singapore), 2015

Achievements

  • Lactation Consultant / Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, International Board of Lactation Examiners, 2022
  • Women’s Health Physiotherapy, IHFA, 2022

Memberships / Affiliations

  • Allied Health Professions Council, Singapore
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