SU Women’s Health Physiotherapy & Wellness
Specialist Pregnancy Physiotherapy

Antenatal Physiotherapy in Manchester

Specialist antenatal physiotherapy in Manchester helping manage pregnancy back pain, pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor symptoms while preparing your body for labour.

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Pregnancy brings many physical changes that can sometimes cause discomfort. Women may experience back pain, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor weakness or postural changes as the body adapts during pregnancy. These symptoms are common and physiotherapy can help manage them safely.

Antenatal physiotherapy focuses on supporting your body during pregnancy. Treatment may include exercises, manual therapy, pelvic floor training and advice to help reduce pain, improve mobility and prepare for labour.

Suitable from 6 weeks after a vaginal or caesarean birth — and also months or years later if symptoms persist. After delivery you may also benefit from a postnatal physiotherapy check to support your recovery.

Why antenatal physiotherapy is important

During pregnancy the body goes through significant physical changes. Hormonal changes, increased weight and postural adaptations can place additional stress on the spine, pelvis and pelvic floor muscles.

Without appropriate guidance during pregnancy, some women may:

  • experience increasing pelvic or back pain
  • develop pelvic girdle pain or sciatica
  • experience pelvic floor symptoms such as bladder leakage
  • struggle with posture and mobility during pregnancy

Early assessment can reduce the risk of long-term pelvic floor dysfunction and help you feel confident in your body again.

What we assess during your pregnancy physiotherapy appointment

Pelvic floor assessment

During pregnancy we assess pelvic floor strength, coordination and relaxation. Pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel and uterus and play an important role during pregnancy and birth.

  • urinary leakage during pregnancy
  • pelvic heaviness or pressure
  • pelvic floor weakness
  • difficulty relaxing pelvic floor muscles

An internal assessment may be offered (always optional and explained fully beforehand) as it provides the most accurate diagnosis and rehab plan.

Tummy gap (diastasis recti) & core control

Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) can develop during pregnancy as the abdomen expands. Physiotherapy helps support abdominal muscles and maintain core stability safely throughout pregnancy.

  • diastasis recti assessment
  • deep core coordination and breathing
  • safe abdominal exercise guidance

Bladder health

We support common bladder symptoms during pregnancy, including:

  • stress incontinence (leaking with cough/jump/run)
  • urgency and urge leakage
  • frequent urination
  • feeling you can’t fully empty

Bowel health during pregnancy

Pelvic health physiotherapy can help manage bowel symptoms during pregnancy such as:

  • constipation and straining
  • difficulty emptying
  • wind control issues
  • anal discomfort

Prolapse screening

We check for signs of pelvic organ prolapse and provide early management. Symptoms may include:

  • heaviness or dragging sensation
  • pressure or bulging sensation
  • discomfort with standing, walking or lifting

Posture, breathing & movement

Pregnancy can alter posture and breathing patterns, affecting pelvic floor and abdominal function. We assess:

  • posture and rib position
  • breathing mechanics and pressure management
  • lifting technique (baby/pram/car seat)

Staying active safely during pregnancy

Staying active during pregnancy is important for physical and mental wellbeing. Physiotherapy can help you continue exercising safely while managing pain, pelvic floor symptoms or pelvic girdle discomfort.

We provide guidance on safe pregnancy exercise such as:

  • walking and general fitness
  • gym training and strength work
  • running (including return-to-run planning)
  • Pilates, yoga and low-impact classes
  • lifting and high-impact activity

Exercise during pregnancy should be adapted to your body and stage of pregnancy. A tailored plan helps you stay active while protecting your pelvic floor and joints.

Who can benefit from antenatal physiotherapy?

You may benefit from antenatal physiotherapy if you experience:

  • leaking urine
  • tummy gap / diastasis recti / doming
  • abdominal weakness or instability
  • pelvic heaviness, pressure or prolapse concerns
  • pain with intimacy
  • back or pelvic pain

Even if you have no symptoms, physiotherapy can help you stay comfortable during pregnancy and prepare your body for labour and recovery after birth.

What you will receive

After your antenatal physiotherapy appointment you may receive:

  • a clear explanation of your symptoms and pregnancy-related changes
  • a personalised pelvic floor programme
  • safe abdominal/core exercises for diastasis recti
  • guidance on safe exercise during pregnancy
  • practical advice for day-to-day life (lifting, posture, breathing)
Book your antenatal physiotherapy appointment
Appointments available in Manchester in a private, supportive environment.
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Birth preparation physiotherapy

Physiotherapy during pregnancy can help prepare your body for labour and birth. Antenatal physiotherapy focuses on improving pelvic mobility, breathing techniques and pelvic floor awareness to support a more confident birth experience.

  • Pelvic floor relaxation and coordination
  • Breathing techniques for labour
  • Pelvic mobility and positioning
  • Guidance on comfortable labour positions
  • Preparation for pushing during birth

Birth preparation sessions are often recommended in the third trimester but guidance can be provided earlier in pregnancy if needed.

Pregnancy massage

Pregnancy massage can help relieve muscle tension and discomfort as your body changes during pregnancy. Gentle treatment techniques help reduce back pain, improve circulation and promote relaxation.

  • Relief from pregnancy back pain
  • Reduced pelvic and hip tension
  • Improved circulation
  • Relaxation and stress relief
  • Support for better sleep

Pregnancy massage is adapted for each stage of pregnancy and performed in comfortable supported positions.

Pregnancy massage

Pregnancy massage can help relieve muscle tension and discomfort as your body changes during pregnancy. Gentle treatment techniques support relaxation, improve circulation and reduce back or pelvic pain.

  • Relief from pregnancy back pain
  • Reduced pelvic and hip tension
  • Improved circulation
  • Relaxation and stress relief
  • Support for better sleep

Pregnancy massage is adapted for each stage of pregnancy and carried out in comfortable supported positions.

Frequently asked questions

Is an internal examination compulsory?

No. It is optional and only offered with your consent. You can decline at any time.

Is it painful?

No. Any examination is gentle and explained throughout in a private clinical setting.

How long is the appointment?

Typically around 60 minutes.

When should I see a physiotherapist during pregnancy?

You can attend physiotherapy at any stage of pregnancy if you experience back pain, pelvic pain, pelvic floor symptoms or would like guidance on safe exercise and birth preparation.

Antenatal physiotherapy in Manchester

Antenatal physiotherapy is available in Manchester. Treatment can help manage pregnancy back pain, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor symptoms and provide guidance for safe exercise during pregnancy and birth preparation.