Women's experience and perspectives about physical therapy during pregnancy and after childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth introduce significant physical and psychological changes, often resulting in discomforts such as back pain, pelvic pain, and post-delivery recovery challenges. Physical therapy is known to be an effective intervention, yet there is limited understanding of how women perceive and utilize it during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study aimed to explore women's experiences and perspectives of physical therapy during pregnancy and after childbirth. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2021 to May 2022, involving 298 women who were receiving or had received pregnancy and postpartum care at a medical center in southern Taiwan. Eligibility participants were aged 20 or older, understood Chinese/Mandarin, and agreed to participate. Data were collected through an online questionnaire covering demographic information, health history, symptom prevalence, physical therapy utilization, and perceptions. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies and percentages) were used to analyze the data. Of the 298 participants, 53 (17.8 percent) utilized physical therapy during pregnancy and/or after childbirth. Ninety percent believed that pregnant and postpartum women need physical therapy, with breast massage (80.9 percent) being the most needed self-pay service. The primary barrier to utilizing was "lack of time," while the primary facilitator was "affordable self-pay costs." This study highlights the significant need for physical therapy among pregnant and postpartum women, identifying key barriers and facilitators to service utilization. These findings can guide the integration of physical therapy into maternal care pathways, improving overall health outcomes for women.