Maria has always loved the world of motherhood. Ever since she was little, she dreamed of being a mother and experiencing the pregnancy stage first hand. When she trained in physiotherapy, she discovered how to help women and future mothers have the pregnancy they wanted and how to support them, from her specialty in pelvic floor and obstetrics.
As Maria says, "it is a field that many women are still unaware of, and that addresses many aspects of health, such as the hormonal, emotional and even sexual aspects. It is a profession that connects directly with people, creates very beautiful bonds and can help women a lot."
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK AT THE CLINIC AND HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE THE PHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF PREGNANT WOMEN
In the clinic itself, we work on the pelvic floor area for all those dysfunctions such as incontinence , pain during intercourse , scars, prolapses, endometriosis , polycystic ovaries ... And, in addition, we have the obstetrics area, where my colleague Ana and I treat and accompany pregnant women so that all the changes that occur in their bodies adapt properly. We do pain prevention and treatment , and in pregnant women we also teach techniques such as perineal massage to promote tissue relaxation before childbirth .
We use manual therapy , therapeutic exercise , biofeedback and Indiba radiofrequency, one of our star postpartum treatments, as tools.
In addition, I conduct online sessions on Baby Planner advice, to plan for the arrival of the baby so that future mothers can feel calm.
What are the most common concerns of pregnant women? How do you guide them to a healthy and conscious pregnancy?
Most women, especially first-time mothers, feel uncertain , unfamiliar and scared about childbirth . There is a lot of information (or misinformation) out there these days, and everyone has an opinion , and it really strikes me that negative opinions seem to have more weight than positive ones. In addition, there has been a lot of generational evolution , the experiences and advice of our mothers or grandmothers are generally outdated, but emotionally they have a lot of weight on us.
Nowadays, we also have to organize many things , sick leave, medical appointments, shopping for products, while we have to continue with the day-to-day at work, at home and try to remain productive. This pace really leaves us little time to connect with ourselves and to fully feel the transformation from woman to woman and mother that we are experiencing.
Personalization is key to providing good treatment and service. Every woman has her own story, and each woman will experience different processes during pregnancy for that evolution to occur.
Once you connect with the uncertainties and goals of the woman, treating her physically while accompanying her in pregnancy will make her gradually connect with her feminine essence, with her pelvis , with her uterus , and that is often the trick. Women are prepared to give birth, we have always done it, our role is to help her so that in this 21st century her pregnancy flows.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF THE PELVIC FLOOR DURING PREGNANCY AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT CHILDBIRTH AND RECOVERY?
Our pelvic floor is important at all stages of our life. Its importance is best known during pregnancy, because this is where it will experience its greatest revolution: growth of the uterus , more elastic pelvis , changes in the musculature, etc. But if in the stage prior to pregnancy, we have paid attention to and cared for our perineum, the adaptation of the pelvis during pregnancy will have a very positive result.
The pelvic floor is called the “floor” because it is the base of the pelvis and the spine. It provides stability and pressure distribution in the body, but it also houses the reproductive system, connected to the intestinal and rectal parts. For this reason, in hormonal disorders and constipation, attention must also be paid to this “floor”.
Much is already known about the benefits of muscle work and pelvic floor exercise and control during pregnancy. Muscle quality , when worked, will prevent fewer difficulties during childbirth . For example, the famous perineal massage , which is known not to prevent episiotomies, can contribute to avoiding or having fewer tears . If there are fewer tears, the postpartum recovery for the mother will be more positive. I include in this part, cesarean sections. Just because you end up having a cesarean section does not ruin all the pelvic floor preparation treatment. The tissues will still thank you.
Also, if you manage to take care of your abdomen consciously and well, you can help prevent the famous diastasis and/or recover the abdominal girdle more easily after giving birth.
PREGNANCY ALSO INVOLVES EMOTIONAL CHANGES, HOW CAN SELF-CARE, INCLUDING A GOOD SKIN ROUTINE, INFLUENCE THIS?
Yes, emotional health is super important , that's why we love to work in teams with other professionals to address and help more and better. We have several points that, without being professionals in this specific area, from my profession we can help:
- Make future mothers aware of physical and aesthetic care. Many mothers let themselves go during pregnancy, wear baggy clothes and eat excessively. We must raise awareness that pregnancy is about showing off a tummy and being proud of it, that you can feel good about yourself in different sizes. Looking good always makes you happy.
- Nutrition plays a very important role. Eating well with quality foods will make our entire system, which is working harder, perform better, including our thyroid. Hypothyroidism is one of the factors that most appear at this stage. With correct nutrition and medication, if necessary, we can help balance thyroid function because… Did you know that hypothyroidism is related to postpartum depression? Yes, that is why it is very important that we pay attention to ourselves.
- Hormonal changes can cause changes in the future mother such as acne, skin blemishes or, in women who have rosacea, even worsening of their condition. Apart from checking thyroid levels in a blood test, improving diet and good sleep hygiene, my best dermatological advice is to cleanse the face morning and night. And in addition to this, sun protection to prevent the appearance of blemishes and a good serum.
- Surround yourself with people who provide vitamins . For thousands of years, forming a tribe has always benefited pregnant women positively. Sisterhood must be encouraged.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO USE COSMETICS WITHOUT HARMFUL CHEMICALS DURING PREGNANCY?
This topic is super important . Many women still buy products based on price and not on quality and composition . Many products contain parabens , which have been seen to increase cases of skin allergies and rosacea , among others, in recent years.
During pregnancy, it is important to go for natural cosmetics , which are formulated without chemical additives that could be harmful to both the mother and the baby .
During pregnancy, the skin becomes more sensitive and susceptible to the absorption of substances , so it is crucial to select products that are safe. Also, during breastfeeding , any substance we apply to our skin has the potential to be passed on to the baby .
HOW DO HORMONAL CHANGES AFFECT THE SKIN AND WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR SKIN CARE DURING PREGNANCY?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes have a significant impact on women's skin due to the variation in levels of estrogen , progesterone , and other hormones . These changes can lead to various skin conditions , which vary from woman to woman. For example:
- Hyperpigmentation of the tissues occurs, here there would be the famous melasma or "pregnancy patch" which is due to the increase in melanin caused by estrogen.
- Acne : due to increased sebum production, stimulated by hormones.
- Stretch marks : due to stretching of the skin. It indicates that the skin has little elasticity and is not adapting well to the changes of pregnancy.
- Spider veins and/or varicose veins : Increased blood volume and hormonal changes can dilate blood vessels, making small veins visible on the skin.
- Edema , fluid retention in the extremities or eyelids.
- Dry or sensitive skin : Some women experience excessive dryness or sensitivity of the skin, which can cause itching and discomfort, especially in the abdomen as the skin stretches.
During pregnancy, it is essential to take care of your skin with some key habits. First, it is important to keep your skin well hydrated by applying natural creams or oils to prevent dryness and reduce the risk of stretch marks .
It is also essential to protect yourself from the sun by using broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent the appearance of dark spots such as melasma .
As for acne, it is advisable to choose mild products , avoiding aggressive ingredients, as well as a thorough cleansing as I mentioned above. I also recommend wearing comfortable cotton clothing to minimize friction in sensitive areas and to promote circulation by elevating the legs or using compression stockings if necessary to prevent the appearance of varicose veins. A very important point is to eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and drink plenty of water , to contribute to healthier skin .
TELL US SOME MYTHS ABOUT SKIN CARE DURING PREGNANCY
One big issue is stretch marks. Although moisturizers and oils can improve skin elasticity and reduce the severity of stretch marks, there is no guaranteed way to prevent them completely . Stretch marks also depend on hormones and your skin type . What you can do is keep your skin well hydrated to help it be more flexible .
I love to disprove the idea that “ pregnant women cannot use any facial products.” There are natural and specific products for pregnancy that can help a lot .
Another myth, “ dry skin is normal and there is no treatment.” It can be common to feel dry or itchy due to skin stretching, but it doesn’t have to become normal. Keeping your skin moisturized can reduce discomfort and prevent irritation. If the itching is very intense, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition such as cholestasis of pregnancy, so it is advisable to consult a doctor.
TELL US ABOUT ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS AND HOW THEY CAN AFFECT REPRODUCTIVE AND HORMONAL HEALTH THROUGHOUT LIFE
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormonal system , also known as the endocrine system.
These substances mimic, block or alter the action of natural hormones , which can lead to a wide range of health problems, especially related to reproductive health and hormonal balance.
They are found in many everyday chemicals. They are present in some plastics , pesticides , personal hygiene products , cosmetics , processed foods and even in some household items such as detergents .
For example, if there are cases of excess estrogen in women, we must avoid products with disruptors to improve our health.
WHAT OTHER CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS DO YOU ADVISE PREGNANT WOMEN TO PAY ATTENTION TO?
In addition to endocrine disruptors, there are other chemicals present in cosmetic products that pregnant women should pay special attention to in order to avoid potential risks to their health and that of their developing baby .
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A found in many anti-aging products and acne creams. I recommend avoiding and being cautious with them .
WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENTS OR PRODUCTS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE IN MAINTAINING THE HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN'S SKIN?
Generally speaking, the more natural the products and treatments, the better . And then, I really like personalization , it also depends on the type of skin of the woman. But always trying to naturally regulate the pH of the skin, deeply moisturize and, very importantly, cleanse .
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO PREGNANT WOMEN WHEN CHOOSING COSMETICS THAT DO NOT COMPROMISE THEIR HEALTH OR THAT OF THE BABY?
Products with natural and organic ingredients tend to be safer , as they usually avoid harsh chemicals. I recommend that they do not contain pesticides or synthetic products . Also, try to avoid artificial perfumes or fragrances because they may contain phthalates , which are endocrine disruptors .
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE ON READING LABELS AND CHOOSING COSMETIC PRODUCTS?
You should check the ingredient list of the products you use, looking for products that specify that they are free of parabens , phthalates , retinoids and other potentially dangerous chemicals . And one tip I often apply is to avoid those that do not clearly state their ingredients.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE COUPLES TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PREGNANCY PROCESS AND SUPPORT THE MOTHER-TO-BE WITH HER PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING?
It is essential for couples to maintain fluid , honest and empathetic communication. Talking about emotions, fears and expectations related to pregnancy helps strengthen the connection and address challenges together. Being available to listen, without judging, can make a big difference in the emotional well-being of both.
As a woman, I often advise other women to let their fathers learn how to be future fathers . I'm going to generalize, but many times we tend to want to control everything, and we don't let them make mistakes or experiment. Trust and respect , two super important values.
On the physical side, the partner, especially during childbirth, can help a lot to alleviate physical discomfort and support the woman. Especially during the transition from 7-8 cm dilation during childbirth, good moral support and, if we want, physical support (massage, re-wrapping, etc.) can be excellent.
IN ADDITION TO PREGNANT WOMEN, HOW DO YOU HELP WOMEN WHO ARE PLANNING A PREGNANCY?
The period leading up to pregnancy is wonderful for preparing the body and mind , and in my work I can offer a holistic approach to optimise your physical health and emotional wellbeing.
The physical preparation part can help women strengthen their core , pelvic floor, and back , which better prepares them to withstand the physical changes of pregnancy. A strong, well-aligned body can prevent common problems like back pain and avoid complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
As a baby planner , I offer guidance on healthy habits, nutrition, proper exercise and the care they should have before and after , plus all the appointment planning , clothing , products and emotional management tips .
I focus heavily on offering personalized advice . My holistic approach includes recommendations on products and resources suitable for fertility and emotional well-being , helping you to be informed about your body and the process of conception.
Those who have already been mothers may have particular needs related to the previous pregnancy and postpartum , and my services can be adapted to them in various ways, as each person is unique. If they are planning to have another baby, I can help them prepare their body for a new pregnancy, addressing any challenges they may have previously faced, such as scars from caesarean sections or physical tensions. These are cases that sometimes need a lot of support, especially in cases of more negative previous experiences . Here, guided techniques and exercises to reduce stress or anxiety also come into play.
HOW DOES PELVIC FLOOR CARE INFLUENCE POSTPARTUM RECOVERY AND RELATIONSHIPS?
First of all, a strong pelvic floor helps prevent common problems after childbirth, such as urinary and fecal incontinence . Many women deal with this after giving birth, and it can be very uncomfortable and emotionally draining. Strengthening the pelvic floor not only helps prevent these problems, but also improves the quality of life . In addition, a fit pelvic floor provides the necessary support for internal organs , preventing long-term complications such as prolapse .
But that's not all. It also directly influences your sex life . A strong pelvic floor can improve sensitivity and sexual function , which is key for many women who notice changes in their intimate life after childbirth. By improving sexual function, confidence and pleasure can also be restored. The better your perineal muscle quality , the more your orgasms will also be directly proportional ;D
On a physical level, pelvic floor care is related to abdominal recovery . Many women experience abdominal diastasis, which is the separation of the abdominal muscles.
Working on the pelvic floor helps to close that gap, improving not only aesthetics, but also posture and overall health .
DO YOU HAVE A SKINCARE ROUTINE THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO PREGNANT WOMEN?
My routine was always the same: facial cleansing , toner to regulate the skin's pH, eye contour , serum and moisturizer or regenerator at night. And I still apply this.
On the days when I couldn't do everything, I basically cleaned and used a moisturizer with protection.
WHAT OTHER TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE FOR MAINTAINING A HEALTHY SELF-CARE ROUTINE DURING PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM?
Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is essential for physical and emotional health, especially during the postpartum stage. Proper nutrition provides the essential nutrients the body needs to recover, as well as being a fundamental pillar for hormonal health . Including a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals , such as fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats , will not only also benefit energy and mood. Hydration is equally crucial, as water is vital to maintaining the balance of body fluids, aiding in digestion and supporting healthy skin . A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day , although this can vary depending on physical activity and individual needs.
In addition to nutrition and hydration, strength training is a great way to help regulate hormones in the body. By strengthening the muscles, you also support pelvic floor health and prevent problems like diastasis recti.
Incorporating strength training into your routine not only tones your body , but also releases endorphins , the happiness hormones, which can improve your mood .
Complementing strength training with cardio activities is key to keeping your heart healthy and improving your endurance. Whether it's walking, swimming, or playing sports, cardiovascular exercise not only burns calories , but also improves circulation and helps reduce stress . On the other hand, integrating practices such as pilates or yoga can be very beneficial for flexibility and the mind-body connection. These disciplines not only help tone and stretch your muscles, but also encourage relaxation and mindfulness, which can be especially valuable in the hustle and bustle of motherhood.
Let's not forget the importance of good posture and breathing habits . After childbirth , many women may experience tension and discomfort in their back due to the burden of caring for a baby. Maintaining good posture will help prevent pain, and also improves spinal alignment and pelvic floor function.
And speaking of breathing, it's essential to relearn how to breathe properly. Proper breathing not only oxygenates your body , but it also activates the parasympathetic nervous system , which helps reduce anxiety and stress . Practicing deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can be a great exercise to calm the mind and body , promoting an overall sense of well-being.
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