7 Signs You May Benefit from Pre- & Postnatal Therapy
- Tue Aug 11
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Pregnancy and childbirth bring major physical changes to the body. As the abdomen expands, posture shifts, joints adapt, muscles work differently, and the pelvic floor carries increased demands. After childbirth, the body continues to adjust as tissues recover and daily activities gradually change.
While some changes are expected during pregnancy and postpartum, certain symptoms can make daily movement, exercise, sleep, or caring for a baby more difficult. Recognising these signs can help you decide when it may be useful to speak with a qualified healthcare provider.
Pre- & Postnatal Therapy can focus on movement, strength, mobility, posture, pelvic floor function, and physical recovery during pregnancy and after childbirth. For people in Calgary, care at The Port can be part of a broader plan for maintaining physical function during these important stages of life.
‘Pre- & postnatal therapy’ refers to physical therapy approaches that address the changing needs of people during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Pregnancy may affect:
After childbirth, the body may continue adapting as muscles and tissues recover. Depending on the type of delivery and individual circumstances, someone may also notice changes related to abdominal strength, pelvic floor function, scar tissue, mobility, or general physical capacity.
Therapy may include movement assessment, therapeutic exercises, mobility work, breathing strategies, education about body mechanics, and gradual return-to-activity planning.
Lower-back and pelvic discomfort are common during pregnancy. Changes in posture, increased body weight, altered movement patterns, and hormonal changes can all influence how the body handles everyday activities.
However, discomfort that interferes with walking, sleeping, sitting, exercising, or household activities may warrant professional assessment.
A physical therapist can evaluate movement patterns and determine whether specific exercises or mobility strategies may be appropriate.
After childbirth, ongoing pelvic or lower-back symptoms may also indicate that your body needs additional support while returning to normal activities.
The pelvic floor plays an important role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, pelvic organ support, and core stability.
Pregnancy and childbirth can place substantial demands on these muscles.
Signs that may warrant an assessment include:
These symptoms are not something you necessarily have to simply accept after pregnancy or childbirth.
Pre- & Postnatal Therapy may include pelvic floor assessment and exercises based on individual needs.
Pregnancy can make movements that once felt routine more challenging.
Getting out of bed, climbing stairs, standing for extended periods, getting in and out of a vehicle, or lifting objects may require new movement strategies.
After childbirth, caring for a newborn can add repetitive physical demands. Feeding, carrying, bending, lifting, and prolonged sitting may place stress on areas that are still recovering.
If everyday movement remains difficult, an assessment can help identify areas of weakness, restricted mobility, or movement habits that may be contributing to symptoms.
Staying physically active during pregnancy can be appropriate for many people, although exercise recommendations vary depending on individual health and pregnancy circumstances.
Some people may feel uncertain about which exercises to continue, modify, or avoid.
Pre- & Postnatal Therapy can help establish movement strategies that account for changes in strength, balance, mobility, and physical demands during pregnancy.
A physical therapist can also work within recommendations provided by your physician or midwife.
Anyone with pregnancy complications or specific medical concerns should consult their healthcare provider before starting or changing an exercise program.
The abdominal wall changes as the uterus grows. Some people develop a noticeable separation along the midline of the abdominal muscles, commonly referred to as diastasis recti.
After childbirth, you may notice:
These signs do not automatically indicate a serious problem, but an assessment can help determine what is occurring and which exercises may be suitable.
Returning to running, strength training, sports, classes, or other forms of exercise after childbirth can require a gradual approach.
The appropriate timeline varies according to factors such as delivery type, pregnancy history, recovery status, symptoms, and medical recommendations.
Jumping immediately into previous exercise levels may not be appropriate for everyone.
Pre- & Postnatal Therapy can help assess movement capacity and develop a progressive approach to rebuilding strength, coordination, mobility, and exercise tolerance.
Childbirth can affect the body in many ways. Vaginal delivery may involve pelvic floor stretching or tearing, while a cesarean delivery involves abdominal surgery and an incision.
Some people may also experience changes in posture, core function, mobility, or general strength.
If you have concerns about how your body is recovering, a physical therapy assessment can provide information about movement and function.
The goal is not to rush recovery. Instead, the focus can be on gradual progression and appropriate activity based on your individual situation.
Regular movement can support mobility, strength, balance, and general physical function during pregnancy.
A suitable exercise plan may include walking, mobility exercises, strengthening activities, breathing work, or other forms of movement appropriate to the individual’s health status.
As pregnancy progresses, the body’s centre of mass changes.
This can influence standing, walking, sitting, and sleeping positions.
Physical therapy can address movement habits and help you explore comfortable positioning strategies for everyday activities.
Pregnancy does not mean that all strengthening activities need to stop.
Depending on individual circumstances, maintaining strength in the hips, legs, back, shoulders, and core can support daily movement.
Exercises can be modified as pregnancy progresses.
The pelvic floor undergoes increased demands during pregnancy and childbirth.
Learning how to coordinate contraction and relaxation may support bladder control, pelvic stability, and functional movement.
Pelvic floor assessment can also identify whether someone is over-recruiting or under-recruiting these muscles.
Breathing patterns can change as the abdomen expands.
Breathing exercises may help someone coordinate the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor during movement.
This can also be useful when learning how to manage physical effort during exercise.
Pregnancy involves many physical demands, from standing and walking to lifting and carrying.
Preparing muscles and movement patterns for these activities can make everyday tasks more manageable.
Knowing which changes are common and which symptoms may require medical assessment can help people make informed decisions throughout pregnancy.
Physical therapy can complement prenatal care provided by physicians, midwives, and other healthcare professionals.
Recovery timelines vary.
Your delivery type, medical history, pregnancy complications, symptoms, and other factors can affect when specific activities are appropriate.
Follow the recommendations provided by your physician, midwife, or other healthcare professional.
After childbirth, start with activities that match your current physical capacity.
Walking, gentle mobility, breathing exercises, and basic functional movements may be appropriate for many people, but individual circumstances matter.
Increase activity gradually rather than measuring recovery against someone else’s timeline.
Your body provides useful information during recovery.
Persistent pelvic pressure, urinary or bowel changes, significant pain, unusual bleeding, wound concerns, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms should be discussed promptly with an appropriate healthcare professional.
New parents frequently lift and carry a baby, car seat, stroller components, and household items.
Use comfortable body positioning and avoid repeatedly working through significant discomfort.
When possible, bring objects close to your body before lifting and use your legs rather than relying solely on your back.
If you are experiencing ongoing physical symptoms or are unsure how to resume exercise, a postpartum physical assessment may help identify areas requiring attention.
Pre- & Postnatal Therapy can address strength, mobility, pelvic floor function, abdominal changes, movement patterns, and gradual return to activity.
New parents often have limited time for themselves. A practical physical therapy plan can therefore focus on movements that fit into everyday routines.
For example, exercises may be incorporated around feeding, walking, getting dressed, lifting the baby, or other daily activities.
Rather than attempting a demanding workout schedule immediately, the focus can be on building consistent movement habits that match your current stage of recovery.
At The Port in Calgary, people seeking pre- & Postnatal Therapy can discuss their concerns and physical goals with a professional who can assess their needs and determine appropriate next steps.
Calgary families have access to a wide range of healthcare and wellness services, but knowing when to seek physical therapy can sometimes be difficult.
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery are individual processes. Some people may return to their usual activities quickly, while others may need more time to rebuild strength or address specific symptoms.
A physical therapy assessment can be useful when symptoms interfere with everyday activities or when you have questions about returning to exercise.
The port provides pre- & postnatal therapy for people who want to address physical changes associated with pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Not every pregnancy or postpartum symptom should be managed through physical therapy alone.
Seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as:
Physical therapy can work alongside medical care, but it does not replace medical assessment when urgent symptoms occur.
The appropriate time varies from person to person. During pregnancy, therapy may be considered when symptoms or movement concerns arise. After childbirth, timing depends on delivery type, recovery status, medical recommendations, and individual symptoms. Discuss your situation with your healthcare provider and physical therapist.
No. Physical therapy may also address pelvic floor function, strength, mobility, posture, exercise planning, abdominal changes, and return to physical activity.
Many people can remain physically active during pregnancy, but exercise recommendations depend on individual health and pregnancy circumstances. Speak with your physician or midwife if you have concerns before starting or changing an exercise program.
Physical therapy may address mobility, abdominal function, posture, scar-related concerns, and gradual return to activity after a cesarean delivery. Your healthcare provider should confirm when specific activities are appropriate.
Consider an assessment if you have persistent pelvic or back symptoms, urinary or bowel changes, abdominal concerns, difficulty returning to exercise, or challenges with everyday movement after childbirth.
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery can bring physical changes that affect how you move, exercise, and manage everyday activities. You do not have to navigate these changes without professional support.
If you are in Calgary and have questions about pregnancy-related movement, pelvic floor function, postpartum recovery, or returning to exercise, contact The Port to discuss whether pre- & postnatal therapy may be appropriate for you.
Contact us: 403-567-0189
