Osteopathy & Pregnancy
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Osteopathy & Pregnancy
During pregnancy your body undergoes a great amount of change and development to accommodate a growing fetus.
The postural changes and increase in weight are obvious, but other changes may be more subtle like the effects of hormonal softening of ligaments and the position of the growing baby. A combination of the above can put additional pressure on your joints and muscles of your spine and pelvis.
The most common complaints during pregnancy
- Lower Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Pubic symphysis pain
- Shortness of breath
- Neck, shoulder and upper back pain
- Insomnia
- Swelling
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
Osteopathy during pregnancy
The philosophy of Osteopathy is that structure and function are interrelated. In laymans terms this means that our treatments aim to normalise the structure, so that it functions as efficiently as possible.
We aim to assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth by aiding the body to adapt and align as the pregnancy progresses. Osteopathic treatment uses techniques appropriate for pregnancy, while making sure the mother is comfortable at all times.
At Liforce Osteopathy, we use specifically designed pregnancy cushions if we need you to lie on your front for certain techniques. All of our pregnant patients tell us how comfortable they are and the cushions can accommodate any woman, regardless of size. In fact, some women want to take it home with them just so they can continue to lie on their tummy!
During birth
During birth, a range of factors influences the descent of the baby through the pelvis. Stiffness and rigidity may interfere with the baby’s passage through the birth canal as well as the mother’s positioning during labour as they require the movement through their hips, pelvis and lower spine. More importantly, most pregnant women, particularly towards the end of the pregnancy, feel better with the least amount of tension and discomfort.
Osteopathy after pregnancy
Depending on the type of labour experienced, women can have a wide range of issues post-natally. The main issues that present to us at the clinic are musculoskeletal issues that may have arisen during birth or as a result of the pregnancy, presenting as pain and discomfort. If you have unresolved childbirth stresses from labour, these can contribute not only to ongoing back problems, but also to difficulties with menstruation, stress incontinence, and bowel problems such as constipation.
We often see women post-natally for musculoskeletal aches and pains associated with poor breast-feeding posture, lifting car capsules and prams, carrying your baby and bending over the cot.