Being pregnant is a unique and powerful life experience. It is a time which can, and should be enjoyed.
During pregnancy your body undergoes immense physical, hormonal and emotional changes. The effects of hormonal softening of ligaments, the position of the growing baby, postural changes and increases in weight can put additional pressure on your joints and muscles of your spine and pelvis.
These changes occur over a relatively short space of time, and your body has to continually adapt to accommodate these changes. Up to 10 kilograms in weight of baby, placenta and fluids may be carried, putting a fair amount of physical strain on your body.
Many pregnant women find osteopathy and pregnancy treatment very helpful throughout their gestation for pain reduction and preparation for labour. As well as helping to reduce back, hip or leg pain, osteopathy and pregnancy can also assist your body in preparation for labour and delivery.
Even before pregnancy, your osteopath can evaluate your body, paying particular attention to your spine and pelvis, to ensure that there are no pre-existing or underlying restrictions, which may cause problems further into your pregnancy. We would recommend you have a pre-conception osteopathic check up to help make sure your body is ready to cope with the changes of pregnancy and help it to adapt as smoothly as possible.
Bodywise Osteopathy and Pregnancy has Pregnancy Belly-Pillows to place on the treatment table which will allow you to lie on your stomach during the treatment. You will find this very comfortable and your osteopath will then be able to position you more effectively to help ease your aches and pains from early pregnancy right through to late stage.
After your baby is born – Post-natal Osteopathy and Pregnancy Treatment
An osteopathic check-up can help you to recover from the strains of birth in the early post-natal weeks. It can also help to prevent long term problems of the back, neck and pelvis. If you have unresolved childbirth stresses from labour, these can contribute not only to ongoing back problems, but also to difficulties with menstruation, stress incontinence, and bowel problems such as constipation.
The job of caring for a new baby can place enormous strain on certain areas of your body. Neck and back pain can be caused by many things including breast feeding position, lifting car capsules and prams, carrying your baby and reaching over the cot. Osteopathy and Pregnancy can assist you with these aches and pains by assessing and treating any structural imbalances as well as offering you advice on exercise prescription and pain prevention.
Overall, postnatal treatment can help with long term preventative care, allowing you to relax and enjoy your new baby.