Osteopathy can help prevent or manage a wide range of pre and post-natal conditions, either solely or in conjunction with other health care practitioners.
Osteopathy during pregnancy
Osteopathy is an extremely safe method of manual medicine which treats the whole person. Osteopathy is proven to be a safe, gentle and effective therapy for mothers and babies. Your osteopath will carefully select the most appropriate treatment techniques to assure the safety and comfort of you and your growing baby.
Changes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous change to accommodate the growing fetus. Apart from the obvious physical changes like expansion of the abdominal region, hormonal relsease can affect the function of your body’s internal systems.
As your body progresses, the extra weigth creates a shift in your body’s centre of gravity. Yur supporting ligaments also soften. These factors can add stress to your body, causing problems like back pain, sciatica, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue. Your osteopath can offer advice about anaging these symptoms and demonstrate self-help techniques which you and your partner can use during pregnancy and labour.
Your osteopath’s aim is to assist the natural process of pregnancy and borth- maxamising your body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with a minimum of pain and discomfort.
Birthing and Beyond
In birthing, the descent of the baby through the pelvis is influenced bu a trange of factors. If the mother;s pelvis is twisted or stiff, it can interfere with the baby’s passage through the birth canal. Osteopathic care will restore and maintain normal pelvic alignment and mobility, and contribute to a successful birth adnd healthy baby.
After the birth, your osteopath will advise you to make return visits with your newborn t help prevent or manage problems like pelvic and low back strain, pelvic floor weakness, mastitis, incontinence, interrupted sleep, fatigue and depression. This will help you meet your baby’s needs, whilst caring for your own.
Osteopaths can assess and help people with many common complaints associated with pregnancy and the post natal period
Including
- lower back pain and sciatica
- aching legs and feet
- numbness and tingling in the hands
- neck, shoulder or middle back pain
- shortness of breath
- incontinence
- mastitis
- poor sleep
- suckling or feeding difficulties
- infections such as ‘glue ear’
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