Shape Up During Pregnancy With Prohealth Physio Focus In Singapore

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant mothers and the ways in which the body is able to adapt are miraculous. While it is a wonderful journey, it can come with some aches and pains.

Struggling? Give your body the support it deserves during pregnancy by booking a session with Prohealth Physio Focus.

We speak to the women’s health physiotherapists at Prohealth Physio Focus, on common problems during pregnancy. They are highly experienced in the area of women’s health, having treated pre natal, post natal and pelvic pain disorders. They share with us more on the musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen during pregnancy, and how physiotherapy can help with the same right from muscle cramps to pelvic girdle pain!

They share with us more on the musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen during pregnancy, and how physiotherapy can help with the same right from muscle cramps to pelvic girdle pain!

Muscle Cramps: Leg muscle cramps are often described as a strong, painful contraction or tightening of a muscle in the thigh, calf, or foot that appears suddenly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. It can be caused by repetitive exercises and not drinking enough liquids. Gentle stretching and the application of heat/cold packs can help, as can magnesium supplements.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Symptoms are described as tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers and hand. CTS occurs due to hormonal fluctuations, fluid accumulation causing swelling, nerve hypersensitivity, and glucose level fluctuations. These symptoms typically resolve after childbirth. Elevating the hand and icing helps with pain relief. Your physiotherapist can advise on how to manage it further.

Meralgia Paresthetica (MP): This is often described as numbness, pain or an irritating sensation felt at the outer thigh. It typically resolves after delivery. Pregnant women are advised not to wear tight clothes at the hip and avoid carrying older children on the affected side. Your physiotherapist can educate you on how to prevent further compression and alternative postures to prevent further flare-ups.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: TTS results from compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through a tunnel located behind the inner aspect of the foot. Symptoms of TTS include tingling, numbness, or pain in the sole of the foot. Severe or untreated cases may cause nerve damage. Rest, ice, elevation, wearing supportive shoes, and stretching exercises all help.

Lower Back Pain (LBP): The enlarged uterus leads to increased strain on structures in the pelvis and lumbar spine that can cause pain. In addition, stretched abdominal muscles due to the growing fetus can make it more difficult to maintain your posture. Many find wearing supportive footwear or a pelvic support belt helps, as can heat packs to the lower back and gentle stretching exercises.

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): PGP is the most common pregnancy-related condition and is usually located in front of your pelvic bone, below the tummy or across one side of your lower back, or both sides. This can also be accompanied by clicking or grinding in the pelvic area. Adapting activities of daily living, limiting painful movements, and maintaining proper posture should help to alleviate pain.

Hip Pain: Hip pain is most common in the second or third trimester. This is due to increased mechanical load to hip joints in later stages of the pregnancy, increased pressure on the sciatic nerve, and strain to the round ligament. Applying heat, massage, and exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles will help relieve pain.

De Quervain Disease: This occurs when the 2 tendons around the base of your thumb become swollen due to fluid retention during the third trimester. It is characterized by pain and tenderness around the wrist. Symptoms are usually self-limited and respond to conservative management, including thumb spica splints, icing, and activity modification.

These are common conditions you can expect during your pregnancy journey. However, if your symptoms do not improve within a week or two, consult your physiotherapist, who can determine a tailored approach to treatment.

Give your body the support it deserves with Prohealth Physio Focus!