Osteopathy
and Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be remembered
as a joyful and exciting time, but for some women, pain, discomfort or illness
can darken this picture. Osteopaths can assess and treat many of these complaints
that are associated with pregnancy.
What
are the most common complaints associated with pregnancy?
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica (leg
pain)
- Neck, shoulder, middle back pain
Early
stages of pregnancy are often associated with symptoms such as nausea, morning
sickness, headache, fatigue and dizziness. As the pregnancy progresses, the extra
weight creates a shift in the body centre of gravity, combined with softening
of muscles and supporting ligaments. This added mechanical stress can cause symptoms
such as generalised back pain, sciatica from nerve pressure, pubic symphysis or
sacro-iliac joint pain from instability, scoliosis and accentuation of the normal
back curves.
Where does Osteopathy
fit in the picture?
The philosophy
of Osteopathy teaches that the body structure and its function are closely related
and interdependent. This distinctive way of thinking applies to treatment of almost
any injury, condition or change in state of health. Pregnancy is no exception.
To accommodate for the growing foetus, the body undergoes tremendous changes.
Some are visually obvious; others are subtler as hormonal releases affect the
anatomy, physiology and biology of most systems.
The
goal of osteopathic treatment is to assist this natural process, maximising the
body's ability to adjust and to compensate for the changes as efficiently as possible
in support of mother and baby with a minimum of pain and discomfort.
Is
it safe to have Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy?
Osteopathy
has one of the best safety records of any medically related profession. The techniques
used during pregnancy are carefully selected in order to minimise the risk. These
techniques are gentle and the comfort of the mother is always assured.
Can
Osteopathy influence the birth of my baby?
The
descent of the baby through the pelvis is determined by factors such as ligament
laxity, hormonal control, uterine contraction, gravity and position of the baby.
If the mother's pelvis is mechanically unstable or is lacking mobility, it may
interfere with the baby's passage through the birth canal. Osteopathic treatment
helps to restore balance and improve quality of movements of the whole pelvic
girdle, promoting hormonal and neurological feedback, which in turn allows stimulation
of the uterine contraction.
Should
I still see an Osteopath after the birth of my baby?
Yes,
for a whole range of reasons. Some women start to experience constant back problems
or period pain only after the birth. This can be caused by weakened ligaments
and lack of muscle strength, thereby weakening the whole structure.
Whilst
mothers are breast-feeding, it can be common for them to experience postural strain
and pain in the mid to upper spine. Osteopathic treatment to this region can help
ease this discomfort as well as promote better blood flow and lymphatic drainage
to the breast area.
Your Osteopath can
also provide you with advice on posture for breast feeding position, sleep and
daily activities, and also exercises to strengthen abdominal muscles and the pelvic
floor.
Osteopathic treatment after delivery
provides restoration of the normal mechanics of the back and pelvis optimising
the body for an active life.
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Hacking Osteopathic Clinic 