Osteopathy and Pregnancy

Is Osteopathy safe during pregnancy?

Yes, Osteopathy is safe during pregnancy. The techniques used are adapted depending on which stage you are at in in your pregnancy. We generally use gentle techniques to help the whole of the body to adapt to the changes that occur during pregnancy in order to minimise the aches and pain.  The reason why we do this is so you can make the most of and enjoy your pregnancy.

Osteopathy is safe to use during all the stages in pregnancy: however some osteopaths prefer not to offer treatments during the first trimester.

How can Osteopathy help?

Pregnancy is a unique experience for a woman.  A lot of changes occur in a women’s body during the 9 months. Osteopaths can use a variety of techniques to help the body to adapt to those changes. Mechanical strains (of the body) can happen more readily if you are already experiencing daily aches or weakness along with the combination of normal changes due to pregnancy, postural changes and baby weight gain.

• Ligament pain: From the 26 weeks, ligaments are starting to become more flexible and more lax which could induce joint aches as the joints don’t have the same support from their surrounding ligaments.
• Back pain/Lumbago: Very common during pregnancy. The most common complaint is low back pain due to the postural change especially during the third trimester but can also be in the neck or mid back.
• Sciatica: One of the most dreaded discomfort during pregnancy. Sciatica pain is usually felt in the buttock region and down the leg and is often described as a sharp stabbing pain.
• Sleeping difficulties: It can be tricky to find a comfortable position whilst sleeping, especially with a bump in front of you. But sometimes, insomnia can also be caused by trouble breathing due to the restrictions in the diaphragm, anxiety… There can be many causes but most of them can be eased with Osteopathic treatment by easing tensions and treating areas of restrictions.
• Poor blood circulation: During pregnancy, the blood flow increases which leads to a slightly higher high blood pressure. This can lead to discomfort in the legs due to fluid retention. Osteopathy can ease the associated symptoms.
• Gastric reflux: Not all pregnant women suffer with acid reflux. The aim of treatment is to help the mobility of the different structures around the stomach and the oesophagus (diaphragm, spinal column, sternum, ribs) in order to ease the symptoms of reflux.

In conclusion, Osteopathy can help with many symptoms linked to pregnancy.  Some of which are mentioned above. The aim would be to help you cope better with the aches and pain and to enable you to experience the joys of being pregnant but can also help in the preparation of the birth process as well as post labour recovery by ensuring the wellbeing of musculoskeletal system.