Osteopathy is a safe and gentle approach to pregnancy and postnatal care. An osteopath can help prevent or manage a wide range of prenatal and postnatal conditions. Treatments aim to assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth by aiding the body to adapt, support and align as the pregnancy progresses, thus maximizing the body’s ability to change and support both mother and baby.
How Does Osteopathy Help During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous change and development to accommodate the growing baby. As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight creates a shift in your body’s centre of gravity. Apart from the obvious physical changes like expansion of the abdominal region, hormonal releases can affect the function of your body’s internal systems. The hormonal softening of ligaments and the position of the growing baby put additional pressure on the joints and muscles of your spine and pelvis. These factors can add stress to your body and cause problems such as: back pain, sciatica, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue.
During birth the descent of the baby through the pelvis is influenced by a range of factors. If the mother’s pelvis is twisted or stiff, it can interfere with the baby’s passage through the birth canal. Osteopathic care will restore and maintain normal pelvic alignment and mobility, which in turn contributes to a successful birth and healthy baby.
Treatment techniques employed will always take into the consideration the safety and comfort of you and your baby.
Osteopaths can assess and treat many common complaints associated with pregnancy and the post-natal period including:
lower back pain and sciatica
aching legs or feet
numbness and tingling in the hands
neck, shoulder or middle back pain
shortness of breath
incontinence
poor sleep
Can Osteopathy Help Postnatally?
Depending on the type of labour experienced, women can have a wide range of postnatal issues. Unresolved childbirth stresses from labour can contribute to ongoing back problems, difficulties with menstruation, stress incontinence, and bowel problems such as constipation. Osteopathic care can help prevent or manage problems like pelvic and low back strain, pelvic floor weakness, incontinence, interrupted sleep and fatigue.