Antenatal Physiotherapy, Reformer Pilates & Pelvic Health Support: Preparing for Birth + Beyond 🤰✨

Antenatal Physiotherapy and Prenatal Reformer Pilates

Pregnancy is one of the most incredible physical journeys your body will ever experience and at Orchard View Physiotherapy, our specialist pelvic health physiotherapist supports women through every stage — from antenatal physiotherapy and reformer Pilates in pregnancy, to postnatal physiotherapy and recovery after birth.

It’s about more than easing pain or staying active — it’s about understanding your body, preparing for birth, and building confidence for the early postnatal days.

1️⃣ Your body is changing — and that’s okay.

During pregnancy, your posture, breathing, and muscle activity adapt to support your growing baby. Your centre of gravity shifts, your pelvic floor and abdominal wall take on new demands, and your movement patterns evolve.

Sometimes these changes can lead to discomfort — like back, hip, or pelvic pain — but they don’t have to. Research shows that individualised antenatal physiotherapy, guided by a pelvic health physiotherapist, can reduce pelvic pain, improve pelvic floor function, and enhance wellbeing.

(Bo et al., 2015; Davenport et al., 2019)

2️⃣ Staying active in pregnancy — what the latest guidelines say

The UK Chief Medical Officers’ 2024 guidelines recommend that pregnant women aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.

And the research is clear:💪 Staying active supports strength, posture, and energy.🫀 Reduces risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.💤 Improves sleep and mood.🩵 Supports a faster postnatal recovery.

At Orchard View Physio, our antenatal physiotherapy and prenatal reformer Pilates sessions help you stay safely active, adapt movement to each trimester, and feel empowered in your changing body.

(Davenport et al., 2019; Mottola & Davenport, 2023; UK CMO, 2024)

3️⃣ Pelvic health physiotherapy — more than “doing your pelvic floors”

Many women are told to “just do your pelvic floor exercises,” but effective pelvic floor care is about coordination, timing, and control — not just strength.

A pelvic health physiotherapy session helps you:• Understand how your pelvic floor supports you in pregnancy and birth• Learn how to contract and relax effectively• Improve breathing and core connection• Prepare for labour through education, perineal massage, and birth positions.

(Hay-Smith et al., 2020)

4️⃣ Reformer Pilates for pregnancy — move with confidence

Our physiotherapist-led prenatal and postnatal reformer Pilates classes are designed to help you stay strong and mobile throughout pregnancy and return to strength postnatally. Each session focuses on pelvic and core stability, posture, functional movement, and supportive breathing — all adapted to your trimester and comfort level.

Reformer Pilates is a safe, low-impact way to maintain strength and prepare your body for the demands of birth and early motherhood.

5️⃣ Postnatal physiotherapy — recovery, rebuilding & confidence

After birth, whether vaginal or caesarean, postnatal physiotherapy helps you reconnect with your body. We assess your pelvic floor, core, scars, wounds and posture; guide your return to movement; and help you rebuild safely with strategies and exercises tailored to your individual recovery.

Many women book a Antenatal Physiotherapy Check during pregnancy, followed by a Postnatal Physiotherapy Check between 4–8 weeks postnatally. These sessions provide reassurance, clarity, and a plan for recovery.

Empowered movement from pregnancy to parenthood

Your body deserves support — before, during, and after birth. At Orchard View Physio, we are one of the only local services to specialise in:

• Antenatal physiotherapy

• Postnatal physiotherapy

• Reformer Pilates for pregnancy and postnatal recovery

• Pelvic health physiotherapy for pain, leakage, and pelvic floor support

👉 Book your Antenatal/ Postnatal Physiotherapy Check or join our Prenatal & Postnatal Reformer Pilates sessions today — move confidently through pregnancy and beyond with expert guidance every step of the way 💕

Visit: www.orchardviewphysio.co.uk/bookings to book your appointment or

Email: info@orchardviewphysio.co.uk

Call: 07983 198 924