Prenatal physiotherapy
The female body is incredible, and pelvic floor physiotherapy should be included as part of your pregnancy journey to support it. Throughout pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes to accommodate for a growing baby. This can include changes to posture, abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor muscles. Our pregnancy pelvic floor physiotherapy service includes the assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle changes, management of any new symptoms of concerns you may have, and the assessment and management of pelvic girdle pain. We also provide education on preparing your body for labour including pelvic floor relaxation and breathing exercises, perineal stretching, and birth positions and stretches.
Christchurch pregnancy physio
At Four, we have a pregnancy (prenatal) pelvic floor physiotherapy service. These appointments are here to support you through your pregnancy journey, as well as prepare your body for labour and the fourth trimester.
We provide evidence based advice and education around topics such as safe exercise during pregnancy, management of bladder and bowel symptoms such as leakage and constipation, exercises and advice to support abdominal separation, as well as relief from pelvic pain including pubic symphysis pain, sacroiliac pain and back pain. We can also supply and fit support garments, including pelvic belts and abdominal support like tubigrip to help keep you moving comfortably.
Our experienced women's health team here in Christchurch are skilled in assessment of the pelvic floor muscles, and the management of any pregnancy related concerns that may arise. You can expect to learn about perineal stretching, pelvic floor relaxation techniques, optimal birth positions, and early postnatal recovery. We will work with you to ensure that these muscles are working at their best to support you through your pregnancy, labor and beyond.
Our pregnancy Pilates classes are led by women's health physiotherapists and prenatal trained Pilates teachers, and are a safe and low impact way to stay strong and stable through pregnancy.
Reformer Pilates class timetable
During pregnancy it is important to stay active and strong to support your changing body. Reformer Pilates is a fun and safe way to achieve this. We have classes specifically designed to be attended during your pregnancy, run and managed by our women's health physiotherapy team.
A timetable of these specialised classes can be found below.
Class information
Difficulty: All levels
Four’s pregnancy reformer Pilates classes are run by our Women’s Health physios and pre/post-natal trained instructors. During pregnancy it is important to stay active and strong, and reformer Pilates is a fun and safe way to achieve this.
These classes are aimed at strengthening and stabilising the key muscle groups required to help you to stay comfortable and confident throughout your pregnancy and into the fourth trimester. Key focus areas include the pelvic floor, postural muscles, hips, legs and upper body.
No previous Pilates experience is required. As our instructors are qualified Women’s Health physios and Pilates instructors, we are able to cater to any specific needs or concerns so please let us know at your first session if this applies to you.
Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Prenatal assessments are always advised for soon to be mums and can be carried out during the second and third trimester. We suggest booking in at around 16-18 weeks gestation - or earlier if there is anything that you are particularly concerned about.
These appointments are here to help advise you on safe exercise during pregnancy, pelvic floor exercises and to provide relief from any aches or pains that you might be experiencing as your body changes.
Pelvic floor assessments will often involve an internal vaginal exam to assess the strength, mobility and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding fascia. Your informed consent will always be gained prior to any examination, following the discussion of any concerns that you may have.
