Osteopathy during Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be simultaneously the most delightful experience but also a time of discomfort and uncertainty in a woman's life. Studies have shown 50-80% of women report experiencing significant back problems during pregnancy. Unfortunately, some back issues can have long-term consequences of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle and back pain – in some cases, affecting women for many years after giving birth.
Whilst everyone knows that a woman's body changes dramatically during pregnancy, all to accommodate a growing foetus, less obvious, however, are the effects of hormonal ligament softening to accommodate the new arrival. Teeny-tiny feet jammed between your ribs can be very uncomfortable, not to mention postural changes and stresses due to weight gain.
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy aims to assist the body in adapting to pregnancy-related changes using safe, gentle and efficient techniques. Treatment focuses on your rib cage to accommodate the growing baby as the ribs flare and pelvic and lower back mechanics are optimal. These areas sometimes struggle as your body changes its prenatal shape to support you and your baby throughout pregnancy.
Osteopathic care doesn't end once the baby has arrived. Both mums and dads often need help dealing with the new aches and pains that a baby brings. Mum's treatment can help to restore optimal pelvic mechanics post-birth and pain from breastfeeding posture.
Both parents can struggle to lift and hold the baby whilst manoeuvring car seats and pushchairs in and out of the car.
     
 
Osteopathic treatment while pregnant can ease some of the symptoms typically associated with pregnancy, which include:

Easing of aches and pains (back pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, muscular tension) as a result of extra stress on the spine

Assistance with groin/lower abdominal pain or pubic symphysis pain due to extra strain on the pelvis.

Rib and mid back pain leading to breathlessness and difficulty deep breathing.

Help with historical back pain that could affect pregnancy or delivery.