Low Pressure Fitness and postpartum

During pregnancy (antepartum), a wide range of physical changes occur. They are numerous and appear fairly quickly. Most of these changes are temporary and will gradually resolve after birth. Some may be pleasant, while others may cause some discomfort. It will vary from person to person.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of changes that may be observed during pregnancy:

• upward displacement of the heart (increased pulse rate)
• expansion of the uterus
• appearance of stretch marks (a fine cutaneous line, with a scar-like appearance, caused by the distension or rupture of the elastic fibres of the dermis during pregnancy or following significant weight loss)
• weight gain
• mild breathlessness that may increase as pregnancy progresses
• hyperpigmentation that often appears as a 'line' between the pubis and the navel, as well as on the areolas. Be careful in the sun — pregnancy mask (chloasma) can appear!
• increased urge to urinate
• slowed digestion that may lead to constipation or heartburn
• some ligament laxity: joint support diminishes.

A small message for you, mothers: all these changes may be experienced differently by each person. But do not forget that they are a sign that you are creating a new little being within you. This is wonderful — so give yourself time to get to know your body!

Specialist physiotherapists use Low Pressure Fitness (LPF) for its many postpartum benefits, including:

• restoring the pelvic floor (also called the 'perineum')
• slimming the waist
• preventing and reducing back pain
• improving breathing
• improving posture and balance

The specific objectives of this hypopressive fitness are:

• recovery after birth (postpartum period)
• prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence or prolapse
• recovery of abdominal muscles stretched during pregnancy ('diastasis recti')

Myofascial release of the abdominal wall and diaphragm, a result of Low Pressure Fitness, is also one of the well-recognised benefits of Low Pressure Fitness. The constant movement of the diaphragm during an LPF (hypopressive) session — driven by both breathing and breath-holds — allows coordination between range of motion and the abdominal response. Connective tissue relaxes, as does the abdomen.