During the amazing time of pregnancy, your body undergoes a great amount of rapid change and development to accommodate a growing baby. The postural changes and increase in weight are obvious, but other changes may be more subtle like the effects of hormonal softening of ligaments and the position of the growing baby, affecting your centre of gravity. A combination of the above can put additional pressure on your joints and muscles of your spine and pelvis.
The most common complaints during pregnancy are:
- Lower Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Pelvic Girdle Pain (including anterior pubic pain)
- Shortness of breath
- Neck, shoulder and upper back pain
- Carpal tunnel/hand and wrist pain
- Insomnia
- Circulatory problems such as swelling and fluid retention
- High blood pressure
- Indigestion or reflux
- Fatigue
Where does osteopathy fit in during pregnancy? Is it safe?
The philosophy of Osteopathy is that structure and function are interrelated and interdependent. Our treatments aim to normalise the structure so that it functions as efficiently as possible. We aim to assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth by aiding the body to adapt and align as the pregnancy progresses. Osteopathic treatment may assist through the use of techniques tailored to the individual, while taking the mother’s comfort and presentation into consideration throughout treatment.
Many women unfortunately experience back pain during pregnancy. Just because it is common, doesn’t necessarily mean it is normal and osteopathy may provide women with much needed relief. By understanding the hormonal and physical changes that are occurring in pregnancy, your osteopath may help to reduce muscle tension, improve joint range of motion, as well as educate patients on the best exercise or particular activities to avoid.
During birth, a range of factors influences the descent of the baby through the pelvis. The mother’s pelvis may be twisted or rigid and osteopathic treatment may help your body so that your pelvis and lower back mechanics have as little tension or restriction as possible.
Osteopathic treatment will maximise your body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with minimum pain and discomfort. Techniques may involve soft tissue massage, muscle stretching, gentle joint manipulation, positional release techniques and exercise prescription. Treatment techniques are extremely gentle and are carefully selected for each patient to minimise any risk.
Can osteopathy help postnatally?
Depending on the type of labour experienced, women can have a wide range of issues postnatally. Osteopathic care may help to restore and maintain normal pelvic alignment and mobility and therefore, may take away any pain and discomfort they may be feeling. If you have unresolved childbirth stresses from labour, these can contribute not only to ongoing back problems, but also to difficulties with menstruation, stress incontinence, and bowel problems such as constipation.
Osteopathic treatment may also help with aches and pains associated with poor breastfeeding posture, lifting car capsules and prams, carrying your baby and bending over the cot.
At Infinity Health and Osteo, we are very familiar with these points and help many people like you understand the changes to their bodies.
This fantastic article is taken from Belly Belly.