Kinshasa, August 24th, 2025 (CPA).- Gynaecological and obstetric physiotherapy has been recommended on Sunday in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as one of the ways to prevent complications during pregnancy, CPA has learned from a physiotherapist.
‘Gynaecological and obstetric physiotherapy is one of the ways to prevent complications during pregnancy. It helps to support women during and after pregnancy to relieve pain, prevent complications and prepare for childbirth,’ has indicated Jespere Bompangu, a physiotherapist. Mr Bompangu, who is in charge of the ‘Ebilebo Fils’ physiotherapy centre, has specified that gynaecological and obstetric physiotherapy includes prenatal physiotherapy (for pain and physical preparation) and perinatal physiotherapy (to correct perineal and abdominal dysfunction such as urinary incontinence, pain, etc. after childbirth).
It prevents hypertension and obesity and reduces stress. He has explained that during pregnancy, physiotherapy has several objectives, including preparing the body for childbirth and relieving the discomforts of pregnancy, such as back pain, sciatica, heavy legs, insomnia, etc. It promotes learning postures, breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and advice on pushing during labour.
Physiotherapy can also include techniques such as massage to treat the circulatory disorders or the oedema (swelling of the feet), particularly the foot reflexology. He has recommended to women that they practise it during the last trimester of pregnancy and from 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth, or even later after a caesarean section. CPA/