Osteopathy & pregnancy
Pregnancy is a powerful experience. There are many physical, hormonal and emotional changes that take place over a relatively short period of time.
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 woman’s center of gravity shifts forward.
Osteopathic treatment in preparation, during and after pregnancy may be beneficial in a number of ways:
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help with:
Giving birth can put 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 the pregnancy and giving birth, but also doing the very physically and mentally demanding job of caring for a new baby. Caring for a baby can place enormous strain on the back, during such activities as feeding in poor positions, lifting carriers 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:
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 woman’s center of gravity shifts forward.
Osteopathic treatment in preparation, during and after pregnancy may 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.
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help with:
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction
- Coccyx pain
- Realigning the pelvis in preparation for birth
Giving birth can put 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 the pregnancy and giving birth, but also doing the very physically and mentally demanding job of caring for a new baby. Caring for a baby can place enormous strain on the back, during such activities as feeding in poor positions, lifting carriers 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
