Return to sport after pregnancy
Evidence in the literature on returning to sport
Unfortunately, there are few trustworthy guidelines in the medical databases that can give us information on how to return to exercise after pregnancy and childbirth. This is why the recommendations of doctors, therapists and midwives are not always satisfactory, as we have little evidence (scientifically based proof).
… it is crucial that specialist pelvic health physiotherapists, midwives and obstetric and gynaecological consultants are included in the multidisciplinary team supporting their return-to-sport. – Donnelly et al.
A new study* published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021 provides an overview of the conditions for returning to sport. The authors recommend the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, pelvic floor physiotherapists (more information on our services during pregnancy here) and midwives to provide pregnant women with the best possible support in their everyday sporting and professional lives.
* https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/5/244
It was identified that the 6-week postnatal check is too long to wait for postnatal women to resume or begin a low intensity physical activity program. Evenson et al.
Recommendations and requirements
The first physiotherapy session should be promptly after the birth.
Basically, it is important that we therapists preserve the individuality of each patient. To do this, we need to record information about the pregnancy, the birth and the professional and everyday situation in advance. Together with the physical examination, we can set short and long-term goals and gradually increase the return to sport.
The examination is based on subjective and objective tests that give us information about the anatomical and physiological position inside the pelvic area. The surrounding trunk muscles should also be included in the examination. A holistic approach with further information on nutrition, recovery, sleep, the type of sport and equipment for it should be taken into account.
PHYSIO RESTART includes a biofeedback measurement that examines the perception, tension and relaxation ability of the pelvic floor.
Are you looking for professional support for your return to sport? Please contact us at: Pregnancy and recovery | Physio Restart (physio-restart.ch)
Author:
Anneke Penny
Book your appointment for physiotherapy, massage or group courses: here.
References:
1 Donnelly GM, Moore IS, Brockwell E, et al Reframing return-to-sport postpartum: the 6 Rs framework British Journal of Sports Medicine 2022;56:244-245.
2 Donnelly, G., Brockwell, E., & Goom, T. (2020). Return to running postnatal – guideline for medical, health and fitness professionals managing this population. Physiotherapy 2020;107,188-189.
3 Evenson, K. R., Mottola, M. F., Owe, K. M., Rousham, E. K. and Brown, W. Summary of International Guidelines for Physical Activity Following Pregnancy Obstet Gynecol Surv 2014;69(7):407-414.
