Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Physiotherapy Can Support Women Through Pregnancy and Recovery
Pregnancy and childbirth change a woman’s body in many ways.
Dr Sanjana Venkataraman says mothers need care and attention, not just their babies.
Physiotherapy can help women prepare before pregnancy and recover afterward.
It may help with problems such as weak abdominal muscles and incontinence.
Exercises should be chosen carefully based on the woman’s health and stage of pregnancy.
Venkataraman advises avoiding vigorous exercise during the first three months.
Women without complications may begin guided exercises from the fourth or fifth month.
She says better awareness could help more mothers return comfortably to their daily routines.
Dr Sanjana Venkataraman says mothers’ health is often overlooked when families focus mainly on the baby.
She recommends considering physiotherapy before conception and throughout pregnancy, childbirth and recovery.
Pregnancy and delivery can contribute to incontinence, abdominal muscle laxity and other physical changes after birth.
Venkataraman says exercise should be tailored to the pregnancy stage and each woman’s medical condition.
Awareness of women’s health physiotherapy is growing in some Indian cities, but remains limited among families and professionals.
- Who
- Dr Sanjana Venkataraman, a women’s health physiotherapist, discussed care for women during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- What
- She explained how physiotherapy can support preparation, physical recovery and adaptation to changes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
- When
- The guidance covers the period before conception, during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period; awareness efforts have increased over the past three to four years.
- Where
- The discussion concerns India, with greater awareness reported in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi.
- Why
- Women’s health and recovery are often overlooked, while misconceptions and limited awareness can discourage appropriate physical activity and rehabilitation.
- Expert
- Dr Sanjana Venkataraman, women’s health physiotherapist
- Recommended timing
- Physiotherapy may begin before conception and continue through pregnancy and postnatal recovery.
- Common concerns
- Incontinence and abdominal muscle laxity can occur after pregnancy and childbirth.
- Exercise guidance
- Activity should be tailored to the pregnancy stage and the individual woman’s condition.
- First trimester
- Venkataraman advises avoiding vigorous exercise during the first three months.
- Later pregnancy
- Women without complications may be able to begin guided exercises from the fourth or fifth month.
- Awareness
- Awareness has increased over the past three to four years, especially in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi.