Physiotherapy for new & expectant mothers
Physiotherapy in Pregnancy and After Birth
Pregnancy and birth change how the body loads in ways that are entirely normal and entirely treatable. Being told that back pain, pelvic pain or leaking is just part of having a baby is one of the most persistent and unhelpful pieces of advice going — none of it has to be accepted as permanent.
What we see most in new & expectant mothers
Pelvic girdle pain
Pain at the front or back of the pelvis, worse turning in bed, on stairs or standing on one leg. Responds well to targeted treatment and support strategies.
Low back pain in pregnancy
Changing load distribution and altered movement patterns; manageable with hands-on treatment and specific exercise.
Abdominal separation after birth
Very common and largely modifiable with graded loading — the width matters less than how well the tissue holds tension.
Pelvic floor symptoms
Leaking, heaviness or difficulty with impact activity. Common after birth, but not something you have to live with.
During pregnancy
Treatment during pregnancy is about staying comfortable and staying active. Hands-on treatment is adapted for comfort and position, exercise is adjusted trimester by trimester, and we cover practical strategies for sleep, work and getting in and out of the car when the pelvis is sore.
The early weeks after birth
Early recovery focuses on breathing, gentle load through the trunk and pelvic floor, and practical advice for feeding positions, lifting a car seat and managing a toddler alongside a newborn. It is deliberately low-key work with a clear progression built in.
Returning to exercise and running
Return to impact is judged on capacity, not on the six-week check. We assess pelvic floor function, load tolerance and strength before adding running or heavy lifting, then progress in stages.
- Restore breathing and trunk control first
- Build strength before impact
- Reintroduce running in graded increments with symptom checks
- Progress heavy lifting alongside, not after
Bringing your baby with you
You are welcome to bring your baby to the appointment. Arranging childcare should not be the reason recovery gets postponed for a year.
Common questions
How soon after birth can I be seen?
For general advice and gentle early work, within the first few weeks. More detailed assessment usually happens from around six weeks, or later after a caesarean.
Is leaking normal after having a baby?
It is common, particularly in the early months, but it is not something you have to accept long-term. It responds well to properly guided treatment.
What is antenatal physiotherapy?
Antenatal physiotherapy is physiotherapy during pregnancy, most often for back pain, pelvic girdle pain and staying active comfortably. Positions and exercises are adapted as pregnancy progresses. Contact your maternity service urgently for bleeding, severe pain or feeling unwell.
Can I have physiotherapy while pregnant?
Yes. Treatment and positioning are adapted for pregnancy, and staying active is beneficial for most pregnancies.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book directly. If you are under consultant care for a specific issue, tell us and we will work alongside that.