On the day 9th September the World Pregnancy Daycelebrated in Portugal as National Birth Day. In a country facing significant demographic challenges and where motherhood is happening later and later, this event values motherhood and emphasises the importance of making it available. qualified healthcare that accompany women through all stages of the perinatal cycle.
This date is thus an opportunity for the Order of Physiotherapists underline the importance of the intervention of specialised physiotherapists in pregnancy and postpartum care. Their contribution is crucial to
- promoting women's quality of life and the baby's well-being;
- prevent complications;
- support functional recovery and resolve dysfunctions associated with the perinatal cycle.
In the context of Physiotherapy in Pelvic and Women's Healthspecific competences that enable:
- assess the pregnant woman's physical condition and prescribe appropriate exercise;
- guide pain control and reduction strategies (low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, sacroiliitis, etc.);
- promoting healthy sexuality
- intervening in women's sexual and pelvic dysfunctions
- empower women and their carers in the different stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
- monitor physical recovery after childbirth;
- promote and support breastfeeding;
- supporting women in situations of greater risk;
The presence of the physiotherapist in this journey is therefore an essential element in ensuring integrated, safe and evidence-based careThese contribute to the health and well-being of families and to boosting the birth rate in Portugal.