Role of physical therapy during pregnancy for childbirth preparation

Abstract

Background: During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes various physiological changes. Physical therapy provides to pregnant women a peaceful labor and provides the necessary emotional support and promote well-being and pain relief.Objective: To evaluate the effect of physical therapy performed during pregnancy for childbirth preparation and its correlation with the time of labor.Methods: For the study, was selected one pregnant woman, primiparous, between 20 and 35 years, normoglycemic and normotensive, which was evaluated for flexibility by the Wells' bench, and strength of the pelvic floor muscles through the bi-digital test. Then an exercise protocol was applied between the 18 th and 36 th gestational week.Results: When evaluated before childbirth, the flexibility was 31 (medium) and strength of pelvic floor muscles (SPFM) was degree 4, the participant was unable to do vaginal delivery because there were complications in the second stage and the realization of abdominal delivery was required. After delivery, the participant was re-evaluated, and flexibility was 36 (good) and the degree of SPFM 4. Conclusion:Could not verify how physical therapy can influence in the vaginal delivery and decreased pain. However, it is necessary that more studies be conducted in the field of physical therapy in obstetrics.