Pregnancy is a powerful experience. There are many physical, hormonal and emotional changes that take place over a relatively short period of time.
Osteopathic treatment in preparation, during and after pregnancy can be beneficial in a number of ways:
• Easing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy.
• Preparing for the demands of labour.
• Helping the mother to recover after birth.
Prenatal treatment helps to align the pelvis to reduce the risk of low back pain during pregnancy and allows a woman to be able to cope with the increased load on her body caused by the increasing size of the baby.
During pregnancy a woman’s body has to adapt to the increasing weight of the uterus and baby and as a result, postural changes will take place increasing load and demand on the body as a women’s centre of gravity moves forward.
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help with:
• Low back pain and sciatica
• Pubic symphysis dysfunction
• Coccyx pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn and reflux
• Breathing difficulties
• Positioning of the baby
• Preparation for labour
Giving birth can put a massive amount of strain on a woman’s body especially with a difficult labour or if complications arise. Not only does a woman’s body have to recover from pregnancy and giving birth, but also doing the very physically and mentally demanding job of caring for the new baby. Caring for a baby can place enormous strain on the back, during such activities as feeding in poor positions, lifting car seats especially in and out of the car, reaching over the cot, or carrying a child on one hip.
Postnatal Osteopathic treatment can assist with and may include:
• Realigning the pelvis after birth
• Prescribing exercise to help regain core strength
• Reducing adhesions and healing of scar tissue
• Ergonomic advice with breast feeding and lifting
• Postnatal depression