Take a proactive approach to your pregnancy !
PRE-CONCEPTION
Osteopathic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle, an optimal uterine function and a balanced system.
If you are planning to have a child, an assessment by an osteopathic manual practitioner will ensure that your body is ready for the major changes that occur during pregnancy. Past injuries and traumas can make it difficult for the body to accommodate these changes.
PREGNANCY
A mother’s body undergoes enormous changes during pregnancy. Osteopathic treatment can help it to accommodate these changes. As the baby grows, the mother’s centre of gravity moves and her posture adapts accordingly. This can lead to back pain, neck pain, sciatica, unstable sacro-iliac joints and pubic symphysis dysfunction. Osteopathy can help relieve tight muscles, misaligned joints and improve drainage from the lower limb. Maintaining the body in balance allows the baby maximum room to sit comfortably within the womb. This lowers the risk of an abnormal lie (eg back to back or breech), or the baby being crowded in one position thereby leading to plagiocephaly (misshapen head).
Keeping the thoracic cage (rib cage) flexible and free of restrictions allows room for the baby to grow without putting undue pressure on the mother’s abdominal organs. This can help with relief of reflux and rib pain. Treatment also offers relief for morning sickness. If the body and pelvis are well aligned the journey down the birth canal is much easier for the baby. If the mother’s pelvis is unstable or lacking mobility the baby’s delivery may be unnecessarily difficult. Good alignment aids normal hormonal and neurological feedback which in turn supports normal uterine contractions. Regular osteopathic treatment during pregnancy helps prepare your body for giving birth and can also reduce the risk of complications.
During pregnancy enormous physical, chemical and emotional changes take place over a relatively short period of time. The body has to get used to carrying up to 20lb/10kg of baby, waters and placenta, which can impose great physical strain on the organs, tissues, joints and ligaments of the body. In order for the pregnant body to adapt to all these changes it has to find new ways to walk, sit and sleep resulting with new aches and pains arising.
Osteopathic treatment will maximise your body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with minimum pain and discomfort.
Benefits of Osteopathy During Pregnancy
Osteopathic treatment while pregnant can ease some of the symptoms typically associated with pregnancy including:
- Aches and pains (back pain, neck and shoulder pain, muscular tension)
- Groin, lower abdominal pain or pubic symphysis pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Sciatica
An Osteopathic manual practitioner can also:
- Provide advice on breathing techniques, stretches and exercise you can do to maintain your health and wellbeing throughout your pregnancy
- Assist in release of the pelvis and abdomen such that the baby can optimally position itself to facilitate a safer delivery for mother and child.
- Help the mother to recover after birth
- Maintain alignment and flexibility of the pelvis, spine and ribcage
- Treat the diaphragm and the liver which can positively impact symptoms of nausea, heartburn, shallow breathing and fluid retention
- Address previous pelvic trauma (caused by a fall, for example) that can lead to restriction and increased tension
POST DELIVERY
Benefit of Osteopathic Treatment After Birth
After birth it is advised that both mother and child return to see an osteopath for a check up and, if necessary, for treatment.
Osteopathy after a pregnancy can:
- Ensure your body returns back to shape quickly
- Help you regain your strength and flexibility
- Check and correct any remaining strains in the back and pelvis
- Treat scars from tearing, episiotomies and caesarian sections
- Teach good motor control of the pelvic floor muscles
- Address tensions and discomfort associated with prolonged positioning while breastfeeding
- Treat pain or tension associated with having an epidural
Also, after birth your baby can suffer long lasting effects from the moulding process of birth, and a check-up with an osteopath is highly recommended.
To have osteopathic treatment during pregnancy is safe because we take a full case history, and know what techniques are contraindicated for any specific case. Our treatment of pregnant mothers is always gentle and supportive. The comfort of the mother and safety of the baby are always assured.