As recently as the 19th-century the physiotherapy and midwifery professions shared a common root stock. This book expands upon the development of this association revealing the changes in practice, the inclusion of gynaecology and the treatment of incontinence among its interests. Today physiotherapists along with midwives and health visitors take part in providing education in preparation for childbirth and health education. Their role is to help the woman adjust to the physical changes throughout pregnancy and the puerperium so that stress may be minimized. She will assess and treat any skeletal and muscular problems, teach effective breathing and positioning and help the woman to prepare for labour. In the post-natal period she will give advice on physical activity, teach post-natal exercises and where necessary give specialized treatments. The book is intended for students, newly qualified physiotherapists on obstetric and gynaecological rotations, physiotherapists embarking on this specialist post-registration training and practicing physiotherapists.
