Why Should I Get A Pregnancy MOT?

Pregnancy can be a stressful time. Even when everything is going perfectly well, it’s a big responsibility knowing you are carrying a growing baby, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing things right—even when you probably are. 

If you're considering starting a family or are currently pregnant and want to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible, then a Pregnancy MOT may be just what you need. This comprehensive antenatal assessment evaluates your overall health and identifies any potential risk factors that could affect your pregnancy or/and delivery. 

From preconception planning to postpartum care, a Pregnancy MOT can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your journey to motherhood.

Benefits of a Pregnancy MOT

Regular prenatal checkups with a healthcare professional are essential for ensuring the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby during pregnancy. The Pregnancy MOT is another part of the forward planning you can do to ensure your body is ready for giving birth. It will also help you recover more quickly afterwards. This pregnancy checkup is conducted by a women's health physiotherapist, and it's beneficial for you even before you get pregnant. 

Here are some key benefits of getting a Pregnancy MOT with a women's physio: 

1.  Assessment of your posture and joints

• Evaluates spinal alignment, hip positioning, and overall joint mobility.
• Helps identify any imbalances or weaknesses that could affect pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum recovery.

2.  Assessment of your pelvic floor muscles

• Comprehensive internal and external vaginal examination to check your pelvic floor muscles.
• Includes an evaluation of muscle strength, coordination, and endurance.
• Provides guidance on properly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor to strengthen the muscles and prepare your body for childbirth.

3.  Assessment and treatment of any hip, pelvic, coccyx, or back pain

• Identifies pain sources related to pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
• Includes hands-on therapy, exercises, and lifestyle modifications for pain relief and improved mobility.

4.  Advice on giving birth

• Techniques to strengthen and relax pelvic muscles for an easier birth.
• Covers labour and preparing your pelvis for delivery.

5.  Perineal massage

• Helps increase flexibility and elasticity of the perineal area.
• Reduces the risk of tearing or the need for an episiotomy during childbirth.

6.  Guidance on safe exercise during pregnancy and managing tummy separation (diastasis recti)

• Provides tailored exercises to maintain core strength and minimise strain on abdominal muscles.
• Educates on movements and habits that prevent or reduce the severity of diastasis recti.

7.  Postpartum tips for safe recovery until your 6-week checkup

• Covers early postnatal rehabilitation strategies, including gentle core activation and pelvic floor strengthening.
• Addresses common postpartum concerns such as incontinence, pain, and fatigue.

Above all, the Pregnancy MOT will provide you with essential early detection of any potential complications. When you know what you will be facing, then you can take the necessary steps to prevent any problems from cropping up. And when you prepare your body properly, then both childbirth and recovery are easier.

The Pregnancy MOT gives you a place to discuss your concerns and gather important information and advice for complete peace of mind as you go through your pregnancy and birth. 

Book Your Pregnancy MOT Now

Mummy MOT

The Pregnancy MOT sets you up perfectly for your postnatal check, the Mummy MOT. 

Making sure everything is ok in the first few weeks post-childbirth is crucial. This is the time to ensure that your pelvic floor is healing well, you are managing to retrain your bladder and are using your abdominals in the correct way. Not only will this lead to a swifter recovery in general, but it will prevent you from doing any damage by unknowingly doing things incorrectly.

• A thorough check of abdominal muscles, pelvic floor function, and overall postnatal recovery.
• Personalised advice on rebuilding strength and addressing any postpartum concerns.
• Provides a safe space to discuss emotional and physical concerns after childbirth.
• Offers treatment strategies for symptoms like incontinence, prolapse, or pain.

What to expect during a Pregnancy MOT

There’s absolutely nothing to worry about, or to be embarrassed about when you come for a Pregnancy MOT. On the contrary, it will provide you with support, advice and peace of mind. But if it’s a treatment you haven’t experienced before then it’s good to know what to expect.

1. Comprehensive medical history 

Your physiotherapist will start by asking you about your medical history, any previous pregnancies, and any current concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. This information helps them understand your unique situation and tailor their treatment plan to meet your specific needs. 

2. Physical examination

During the assessment, your women's health physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical examination to assess your posture, flexibility, strength, and pelvic floor function. 

3. Education on pelvic floor health

Your women's physio will provide you with valuable information on how to maintain good pelvic floor health during pregnancy and beyond. They will teach you exercises to strengthen these muscles or techniques for proper bladder and bowel management. 

4. Treatment plan

Based on the findings of the assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a personalised treatment plan that may include manual therapy techniques, exercise programs, lifestyle modifications, or other interventions aimed at relieving pain and improving function. 

5. Follow-up appointments

Depending on your individual needs, you may be recommended for follow-up appointments with the women's health physiotherapist throughout your pregnancy journey. These sessions can help monitor progress, make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support.

Should any conditions or pregnancy-related difficulties be flagged up, don’t worry. This is what your Pregnancy MOT was designed for! By learning where your body may show signs of weakness, those issues can be addressed before they become a concern. Your Pregnancy MOT will will be good for your body and your mind and will give you more confidence to get through the birth and recover as quickly as possible afterwares.