Prenatal physical therapy
For people who are pregnant and want help with how their body is carrying the load.
Pregnancy changes your posture, your breathing and the way your pelvis and back share the work. A physical therapist looks at how you move, explains what is going on and shows you what to try. We work alongside your doctor or midwife.
What we do
Look at your posture, breathing and movement
Teach positions and exercises that suit your stage of pregnancy
Talk through breathing and positions for labor, with your birth team's plans in mind
Plan what to do at home between visits
This care is for you if
Your back, hips or pelvis ache as the baby grows
You feel pressure or heaviness low in your belly
You leak a little when you cough or laugh
You want to stay active and are not sure what is fine
What a visit looks like
How long
A first visit is about an hour with a physical therapist. Bring the questions on your mind, and the baby if you have one.
Who treats you
A physical therapist, from your first visit to your last. You can ask for Ayse, Nohemi or Yen by name.
What we do
We talk, look at how you move, and agree on a few things to try. You leave with a plan you can do at home.
What decides how many visits
How your body responds, what you want to be able to do, and how often you can practice at home. We talk it through and change the plan when you do.
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, a sudden severe headache or pain, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a fall with a head injury needs emergency care now. Call 911.
Questions about this care
Is it fine to exercise while I am pregnant?
Your doctor or midwife knows your pregnancy. We follow their advice, and we tell you when something you describe needs them first.
Should my doctor or midwife know I am coming?
We encourage it. With your permission we write to them about what we find and what we suggest.
Can I come if nothing hurts?
Yes. Many people come to learn what their body is doing and what to practice before the birth.