Osteopathic treatment through pregnancy is a safe and gentle way of helping the body adapt to the changes that are taking place.
Pregnancy produces the largest postural change that a woman's body will undergo. As a baby grows in the womb, its extra weight results in a changed centre of gravity and posture changes week to week. Many women tend to adopt a swayback posture in order to balance the extra weight in front. This can lead to a variety of aches and pains such as buttock pain, groin or leg (sciatica). As breast weight increases, this can lead to pain in the upper back and neck.
Circulating hormones particularly in the last three months result in weakened muscles and softening of supportive ligaments and tendons as the body prepares for labour. This leads to instability of joints and a reduction in core strength.
The same postural and hormonal changes that are responsible for aches and pains contribute to other discomforts of pregnancy. For example conditions such as swollen ankles, varicosity’s and haemorrhoids are related to tension in the pelvis and diaphragm that can increase the resistance to the return of venous blood to the heart from the lower body. Heartburn and breathing difficulties can be related to postural changes through the lower ribs and spine.
Breast-feeding can lead to postural pain/strain in the mid to upper spine. Your osteopath can advise on your posture while breast-feeding, sleeping and daily activities and give exercises to strengthen abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.