Duke Physical and Occupational Therapy has specialists equipped to assist in all of your musculoskeletal needs during pregnancy and after the arrival of your child. We look forward to working with you and your physician with the common goal of ensuring a healthy, active, and comfortable pregnancy.

Physical Changes Associated With Pregnancy

Pregnancy, childbirth, and child care are all happenings that result in important physical changes and new stresses on a woman’s body.

For example, increases in blood volume can cause swelling while hormonal changes can contribute to foot and back pain. Incontinence can be the result of stress to the pelvic floor during labor and delivery. Musculoskeletal issues can become a greater problem as new baby care introduces stressors into the new mother’s routine.

Effective and safe interventions are available through Duke University Hospital to both prevent and treat these issues.

• Incontinence
• Pelvic pain
• Back and neck pain
• Sacroiliac pain
• Headaches
• Leg and foot pain
• Hand and wrist numbness or swelling

After a thorough musculoskeletal examination, your physical therapist may recommend and provide some of the following interventions:

• Therapy ball exercises
• Massage
• Aquatic therapy
• Muscle energy techniques
• Pelvic floor strengthening
• Stabilization exercises
• Education regarding positioning and body mechanics

Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy

Services are also available for pregnant women who have not experienced any musculoskeletal complaints. Intervention for women with problem-free pregnancies include:

• Prenatal and postnatal exercise prescription
• Musculoskeletal screens
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Education regarding positioning and body mechanics

Make an Appointment

Obstetric physical therapy services require a physician’s referral and approval by your insurance carrier.

Appointments can be made by calling 919-684-2445 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Brier Creek
  10211 Alm Street, Raleigh, NC 27617
• Lenox Baker Children's Hospital
  3000 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705
• North Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic
  3609 Southwest Durham Drive, Durham, NC 27707