How can osteopathy help during pregnancy and beyond

Pregnancy can be a special time for mothers to be, but sometimes with the impact that it can have on your body, the reality can feel very different.

During the 9 months, your body will undergo the largest postural change that you’ll ever experience. As your baby grows in the womb and extra weight is gained, your centre of gravity will alter, resulting in postural changes from week to week.

The impact of pregnancy on your body

Your pregnancy will bring dramatic musculoskeletal changes to your body that alter normal biomechanics. This can be accompanied by ligamentous strains, an increase muscle tension, and a decrease in range of motion - all causing you pain.

These factors can also add additional stress to your body, causing problems such as back pain, sciatica, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue.

How Osteopathy treatment can help

Problems like these are common in pregnancy to the point where that they are often considered normal. And with limited medication deemed safe to take during pregnancy, relief from pain and discomfort can seem impossible.

But this should not mean that you need to suffer as it is your body’s way of telling you that it is struggling to adapt to its new shape and needs help.

Undergoing osteopathic treatment during pregnancy is a great way to alleviate symptoms. It is safe for both mothers and babies as the approach uses non-invasive and gentle techniques to assist the body to adjust to the many pregnancy-related changes, plus advise on appropriate posture and positions antenatally, and for the birth.

Osteopathic treatment can also help to improve fluid dynamics including blood flow, venous (veins), and lymphatic drainage throughout the body, helping to improve your mobility and your body to relax.

Treating you throughout your pregnancy

The primary symptom of pregnancy treated by osteopaths is lower back pain, which can be greatest during your third trimester. Osteopathic manipulative treatment offers a safe option for relieving pregnancy related low back pain while increasing back-related function.

As your pregnancy progresses, your symptoms and points of discomforts will change.

During the first trimester you may experience stress, anxiety, and morning sickness – osteopathy can help to relax your body and prepare it for the changes ahead.

As you move into your second trimester, osteopathy can help with treatment of tired legs, oedema, cramps, as well as back, dorsal and rib pain.

Moving the final third trimester, the primary aim of an osteopath’s practice techniques is to reduce tension - which can be lumbar, dorsal, uterine, pubic and pelvic - relieve sciatic nerve pain, and maximize mobility of the pelvis ready for the birth.

Additional ailments that an experienced osteopath can help manage during pregnancy to improve your wellbeing include insomnia, fatigue and exhaustion and low or high blood pressure.

Postnatal care – helping you to heal and recover

Regardless of the type of labour and birth you have, you can experience a wide range of postnatal issues that can impact on your recovery, healing process and function.

Often, new mums experience back and neck pain, which can come from postural challenges relating to breastfeeding, sleepless nights and fatigue, lifting babies and prams, and the remaining pelvic imbalance from pregnancy and labour.

A post-natal check from your osteopath after your baby arrives can help you to recover. Treatment is aimed at gently easing sore and tired muscles, and rebalancing the pelvis plus help to ease any back pain.

Supporting you through pregnancy

At the clinic, Andy Barker has over 21 years’ experience in treating patients of all ages and stages in life with many different approaches and techniques. We can help support you through your pregnancy and beyond. If you are experiencing aches and pains, we are here to help. Call us today on 01892 660 043.