Antenatal and Postnatal Exercise

Women with uncomplicated pregnancies are encouraged to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises before, during, and after pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy carries minimal risks and provides significant benefits for most women, although some modifications to routines may be necessary.

Regular exercise during pregnancy can:

• Enhance psychological well-being
• Improve or maintain physical fitness.
• Help with healthy weight management.
• Reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, particularly in obese women.

Benefits of exercise during pregnancy

Exercise is a powerful tool for supporting health and well-being throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Safe, targeted activities offer a range of benefits, including:

• Improved Physical Comfort: Alleviate common pregnancy-related issues such as back pain, pelvic discomfort, and swelling.
• Enhanced Strength and Endurance: Prepare your body for labour, delivery, and postnatal recovery.
• Better Mood and Mental Health: Reduce stress, anxiety, and the risk of postnatal depression through mood-boosting physical activity.
• Weight Management: Promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy and regain fitness postpartum.
• Faster Recovery: Rebuild core strength, pelvic floor function, and overall fitness after childbirth.
• Assistance in Labour: Focused breathwork can aid in pain relief, particularly during long or intense labour.

Exercise during pregnancy benefits not only the mother but also the baby by improving circulation and reducing the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes.

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Why See an Exercise Physiologist?

Working with an Exercise Physiologist ensures your exercise routine is safe, effective, and specifically tailored to your needs during and after pregnancy.

• Safety First: Our Exercise Physiologists design programmes that prioritise your safety and adapt exercises to accommodate the physical changes of pregnancy and postnatal recovery.
• Expert Guidance: We address concerns such as abdominal separation (diastasis recti), pelvic floor health, and managing pre-existing conditions like back pain or gestational diabetes.
• Personalised Care: Programmes are customised to your fitness level, medical history, and pregnancy or postnatal stage.
• Ongoing Support: We provide motivation and guidance, monitoring your progress to ensure your goals are met safely.

With professional support, you can feel confident knowing your exercise plan is designed to benefit both you and your baby.

Meet Leigh-Anne

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Remedial Massage 

Massage therapy is one of the most common complementary treatments during all stages of pregnancy, providing numerous benefits for both mother and baby.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage:

• Reduces Swelling: Activates the lymph nodes to naturally drain fluid, decreasing oedema.
• Relieves Muscle Tension: Targets muscle tissue in the lower back, neck, and calves.
• Improves Skin Elasticity: Increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin.
• Lowers Stress Levels: Reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
• Boosts Circulation: Enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to both mother and baby.

Postnatal Massage:

Postnatal massage offers significant benefits for new mothers, addressing common discomforts such as:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Infections and mastitis
• Muscle discomfort and weakness

Massage therapy during this time can aid recovery by focusing on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the back, hips, shoulders, and abdominal regions. These areas, often stretched or displaced during pregnancy, benefit from targeted treatment to assist in their recovery.

Meet our Massage Team!