Musculoskeletal DysfunctionDuring Pregnancy and After Childbirth

Pregnancy and postpartum are times of greatchange for a woman - physically, emotionally,and hormonally. As the fetus grows duringpregnancy, the musculoskeletal system ischallenged by altered posture, muscleimbalances, and changes in spinal mobility.These changes may cause pain, difficulty withbalance, and reduced activity. In the postpartumphase, physical changes experienced duringpregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newbornmay result in joint, nerve and/or muscle strain.

Find a Physical Therapist near you using PT Locator at ptl.womenhshealthapta.orgFor more educational resources, please visit www.womenshealthapta.org/patients

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What musculoskeletalissues are commonduring pregnancy andafter childbirth?

Fluctuating hormones in both pregnancy andpostpartum may cause excessive joint motionand changes in posture.  Muscles can becometight and fatigued, resulting in pain and difficultywith certain movements.  Physical demands afterchildbirth such as breast or bottle feeding, liftingand carrying the baby, juggling householdchores, and lack of sleep can make recovery fromchildbirth challenging during early motherhood.

What causes dysfunctionduring pregnancy andpostpartum?

Musculoskeletal DysfunctionDuring Pregnancy and After Childbirth

Symptoms of dysfunction may include numbness or pain in the pelvis, spine, hips,shoulders, ribs, arms or legs. Core muscle weakness can make getting in and out of achair, car, and bed difficult.  Stress placed on the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancyand childbirth may result in pelvic pain, constipation, urinary and/or bowel incontinence,and painful sex during pregnancy and postpartum.

Find a Physical Therapist near you using PT Locator at ptl.womenhshealthapta.orgFor more educational resources, please visit www.womenshealthapta.org/patients

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What are symptoms of musculoskeletal dysfunctionduring pregnancy and postpartum?

Physical therapists (PTs) are skilled at evaluating and treating people withmusculoskeletal problems and can be helpful in reducing symptoms experienced bywomen during pregnancy and postpartum.  Some PTs have specialized training inobstetrics for women experiencing more complex issues during pregnancy andpostpartum. Treatments may include hands on techniques to address joint or musclepain, exercises for weak and tight muscles, safety instruction for recreational sports andexercise, and possible recommendations for lumbar/pelvic support corsets.  Obstetric PTscan also provide guidance on pain management during pregnancy, labor and delivery,and postpartum specific to daily activities and childcare.  Referral to a pelvic floor trainedphysical therapist may be recommended postpartum if a woman experiences pelvic painor concerns related to her bladder, bowels, or sex.

How can Physical Therapy (PT) help?

Pain in the neck, back, shoulder, arm, ribs, hip, pelvis and legNerve symptoms such as numbness in the arm, hand, and legDifficulty walking or performing normal daily activitiesWeak or tight muscles, including abdominal weaknessDesire to resume or start an exercise program

Who should be referred to a Physical Therapist (PT) duringpregnancy or postpartum? If you are experiencing...

Find a PT that specializes in pregnancy and postpartum physical therapycare using the PT Locator. Visit PT locator at ptl.womenshealthapta.org.