Osteopathy for Pregnancy and Birth

Unfortunately, pain during pregnancy is a common occurrence. They can be treated effectively and usually quite quickly. Osteopathic care, during pregnancy, can help relieve or prevent symptoms, allowing expectant mothers to feel more relaxed and enjoy their pregnancy with less stress.

When there are pre-existing stresses and strains in the body prior to pregnancy, the subsequent changes that occur can often irritate and intensify these problems. This can lead to problems such as muscle aches, pelvic and lower back pain, indigestion, constipation and headaches.

Osteopathic care is safe in all stages of pregnancy, although it is most common in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters as this is when you can get the most benefit from therapy. I believe the most effective approach to treatment is to use a combination of massage, stretching and very relaxing and gentle cranial osteopathic techniques. This way the body tissues will be in the most optimal state for the birthing process.

What conditions does osteopathy help with?

Lower back pain - as the baby grows bigger
Symphysis pubis pain - hormones soften the pelvic ligaments
Sacro-iliac joint strain - increased pelvic mobility and altered position of bones and joints causing weakness and pain
Sciatica - from pressure through the sacrum and pelvis to the sciatic nerve in the buttock or back of the thigh
Hip pain - the muscles on the sides of the pelvis and hips work harder as the abdomen expands and support from the abdominal muscles decreases accordingly
Lower abdominal pain - from stretching of the uterine ligaments
Pain in the ribs - can result from the baby's position as the uterus enlarges, pushing out under the rib cage

Indigestion - such as reflux and constipation. The digestive organs have reduced space as the baby grows, filling the abdomen and pelvis.
Sleep disturbances - including pain and difficulty turning over in bed, in addition to frequency of urination.
Swollen ankles and varicose veins - as the pelvis fills with the enlarging uterus, there is less room for lymph and venous blood to return from the legs properly.
Headaches - these can be due to changes in posture, but the assessment will check that they are not related to high blood pressure or other problems.
Discomfort in the neck and upper back - as weight increases and demands are placed on the upper spine
Symptoms related to the arm and upper arm - for example carpal tunnel syndrome
Pelvic floor - strains and changes in bladder control

Osteopathy for Pregnancy and Birth

What conditions does osteopathy help with?

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