Vestibular Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Supporting Balance and Wellness During Pregnancy with Vestibular Physiotherapy

Pregnancy brings a unique set of challenges and changes to the body, including hormonal shifts, changes in balance, and increased physical strain, which can all impact vestibular health. For pregnant individuals with vestibular disorders such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular migraines, symptoms like dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo can intensify during this time (Neri et al., 2004). Vestibular physiotherapy (VPT) offers a safe and effective option to manage these symptoms, helping expecting mothers maintain balance, reduce discomfort, and enhance their quality of life. At Advanced Vestibular Clinics (AVC), our trained vestibular physiotherapists are equipped to provide compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of pregnant individuals.

Understanding Vestibular Issues During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can lead to an increase in symptoms of pre-existing vestibular disorders due to hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and changes in the body’s center of gravity. For example, hormonal changes can exacerbate vestibular migraines, and the growing belly may cause balance challenges, making vertigo more frequent or intense (Bisdorff, 2011). While vestibular issues may resolve postpartum, addressing them during pregnancy is essential to reduce fall risks and help manage symptoms safely.

The Benefits of Vestibular Physiotherapy for Pregnant Individuals

1. Improved Balance and Fall Prevention
   As the pregnancy progresses, the shifting center of gravity can impact balance, increasing the risk of falls. VPT helps strengthen proprioception (body awareness) and enhances balance, which is essential to prevent falls (Horak et al., 1989). Through customized exercises, pregnant individuals can maintain stability and feel more secure in their movements.
2. Alleviating Dizziness and Vertigo
   VPT is highly beneficial for reducing dizziness and vertigo. Techniques like gaze stabilization and gentle repositioning maneuvers can reduce dizziness safely during pregnancy, promoting comfort and reducing the likelihood of falls (Kammerlind et al., 2001).
3. Minimizing Anxiety and Stress
   Vestibular symptoms can increase anxiety, which may impact both the mother and the baby. VPT often includes relaxation and breathing exercises that promote calm, reduce stress, and lessen vestibular symptoms (Shepard & Telian, 1995). Managing anxiety helps improve overall well-being and creates a supportive, calming environment for both mother and baby.
4. Preparing for Postpartum Vestibular Health
   Some women may continue to experience vestibular symptoms postpartum. Beginning VPT during pregnancy helps create a solid foundation for vestibular health, ensuring smoother recovery and balance support after childbirth. Exercises performed during pregnancy may also enhance postural stability and endurance, beneficial for new mothers adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn (Yardley et al., 2000).

Safe and Effective Vestibular Physiotherapy Techniques During Pregnancy

At AVC, we focus on exercises that are safe, effective, and tailored to the physical changes of pregnancy. Here are some of the methods we often use to support pregnant individuals:

1. Gaze Stabilization Exercises
   Gaze stabilization involves focusing on a stationary object while moving the head. This can help with visual tracking and reduce dizziness, improving comfort for daily activities (Kammerlind et al., 2001).
2. Modified Balance Training
   Balance exercises on stable, flat surfaces or low-resistance foam mats strengthen stability while considering pregnancy-specific limitations. Techniques like gentle sway exercises promote safe, gradual improvement in balance (Horak et al., 1989).
3. Gentle Positional Maneuvers for BPPV
   For those with BPPV, modified repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, can be safely performed to relieve vertigo symptoms, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. At AVC, we ensure these are done carefully to avoid excessive strain.
4. Breathing and Relaxation Exercises
   Exercises focusing on controlled breathing and relaxation are integrated into VPT sessions to manage stress and reduce symptom severity. These are gentle, low-impact practices that bring calm and enhance vestibular stability (Shepard & Telian, 1995).

When to Seek Clearance from Your GP

If you are pregnant and experiencing vestibular symptoms, it is essential to consult your GP or healthcare provider before beginning vestibular physiotherapy. This ensures that VPT is appropriate for your specific health profile and aligns with your prenatal care plan. At AVC, we collaborate with healthcare providers to provide the most effective and safe treatment.

Embracing Vestibular Health with Advanced Vestibular Clinics

Pregnancy is a unique journey that can pose challenges for vestibular health. Vestibular physiotherapy offers safe, effective strategies to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and help you feel more at ease throughout your pregnancy. Contact Advanced Vestibular Clinics today to learn more about how our tailored VPT programs can support you on your path to a balanced, healthier pregnancy.

References

• Bisdorff, A. (2011). Migraine and vertigo. Journal of Neurology, 258(8), 1513-1516.
• Horak, F. B., Jones-Rycewicz, C., Black, F. O., & Shumway-Cook, A. (1989). Effects of vestibular rehabilitation on dizziness and imbalance. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 100(4), 272-277.
• Kammerlind, A. S., Ledin, T., Odkvist, L. M., & Skargren, E. (2001). Effects of home training and additional physical therapy on recovery after acute unilateral vestibular loss—a randomized study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 15(6), 567-574.
• Neri, I., & Castiglioni, M. (2004). Vertigo and pregnancy. International Tinnitus Journal, 10(2), 158-163.
• Shepard, N. T., & Telian, S. A. (1995). Practical management of the balance disorder patient. ENT Journal, 74(4), 228-244.
• Yardley, L., Gardner, M., Bronstein, A., Davies, R., Buckwell, D., & Luxon, L. (2000). Interference between postural control and mental task performance in patients with vestibular disorder and healthy controls. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 68(3), 404-409.