Osteopathy for pregnancy and postnatal

Pregnancy is responsible for significant changes in the body – posturaly, hormonally and emotionally – in a relatively short period of time.

One of the biggest changes is the softening of the ligaments, so that the pelvic bones can widen sufficiently to allow the baby to pass through. This softening affects the whole body not just the pelvis, which makes it more vulnerable to strain as the baby grows. This can give rise to a number of symptoms that are amenable to Osteopathic treatment

 

Previous injuries, accidents or postural strains from work can make it more difficult for the body to accommodate these changes, increasing the likelihood of pain and discomfort during the pregnancy.

Common pregnancy ailments:

Indigestion / heartburn – As the uterus expands, it can stretch and compress the diaphragm, which can lead to heartburn. Osteopathic treatment can often reduce tension in the diaphragm and relieve heartburn.

Varicose veins and haemorrhoids – Tension within the pelvis and diaphragm areas can compromise the return of venous blood to the heart from the lower half of the body. This can cause or aggravate varicose veins in the legs and haemorrhoids. Osteopathic treatment to release tension in the pelvis and diaphragm is helpful in the prevention and treatment of these conditions.

Breathing difficulties – Postural changes through the spine and lower ribs can inhibit the action of the diaphragm and make breathing difficult. Osteopathic treatment can improve the function of the whole rib cage allowing full use of the available lung capacity.

Osteopathy and preparation for labour

Trauma to the pelvic bones, coccyx or sacrum at any time in a mother’s life can leave increased tension in muscles and strain within the ligaments and bones of the pelvis. This can limit the ability of these bones to separate and move out of the way during labour, and thus limit the size of the pelvic outlet. Osteopathic treatment is extremely effective at releasing old strains within the pelvis, thus ensuring the mother’s pelvis is structurally balanced to allow easier descent of the baby down the birth canal, and so giving the best chance of an easy and uncomplicated labour.

We can also advise on positions for labour to help prevent back problems later.

Postnatal Osteopathy

After delivery it is advised that mother and child return for structural examination and treatment if necessary.

After giving birth, the body has to recover from the changes it made during pregnancy, the delivery, and subsequently caring for a baby. Activities such as carrying car seats, nursing in poor positions, bending over a cot and carrying a child on one hip can place enormous strain on the body.

Unresolved childbirth stresses in the mother can contribute to ongoing back problems, period problems, stress incontinence, constipation and headaches and can even affect the nervous system, contributing to postnatal depression.

Osteopathy can help the mother after the physical and emotional upheaval by releasing the strains endured from both labour and pregnancy, enabling her to be able to focus on caring for the baby.