Bra off, messy hair, trackies on and belly out!

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a new and exciting time, bringing new life into the world. There is so much change happening both mentally, physically and hormonally to support the growth of the baby. Information on pregnancy health is vast and keeping healthy and fit can be challenging for some.

As the pregnancy progresses, pregnancy hormones play a role in several things:

• Supporting and transferring nutrients to the baby
• Support the production of breast milk and placenta growth
• Allows your uterus to increase in size as the pregnancy advances and also prevents the uterus from contracting until labour
• Weight gain and fluid retention and swelling in your joints
• Helps regulate the mother’s metabolism
• Softens the joints and ligaments to allow for changing body shape

The physical changes that occur with pregnancy will place extra strain on certain joints and muscles. The combination of the hormonal changes as well as increasing weight gain puts extra pressure on the muscles that support the joints.

The abdominal muscles help support the pelvis and back. As bubs grows the abdominal muscles stretch and can lead to abdominal separation. Abdominal separation is the width of the gap between your six pack muscles and is very common during pregnancy. Thus you may notice:

• Joint pain particularly through the back, pelvis and/or pubic
• Pelvic floor changes such as stress urinary incontinence and bladder urgency

• Providing pain relief for your pregnancy related joint pain
• Help and advise on maintaining strength and fitness during your pregnancy
• Minimise the impact of abdominal separation during your pregnancy and postnatally
• Ensure good pelvic floor health