Osteopathy & Pregnancy

The safety of mother and baby is your osteopath's primary concern and we are highly trained to deal with ante and post natal issues making osteopathic treatment for you and your children safe and effective.

Pregnancy is a time when women are most aware of the workings of their body. It is the largest postural change that a woman's body will undergo. Your osteopath will work gently to help your body accommodate and adjust to the demands of the pregnancy, promoting the best health environment for your unborn child and preparing for a safe and trouble free birth. Of course the aches and pains both during and after pregnancy that can so hinder your enjoyment of this wonderful time can be eased and resolved as well.

Discomforts during your pregnancy that can readily be helped, include; heartburn, indigestion, constipation, sciatic pain, low back and leg pain, neck and shoulder pain, discomfort around the thorax, wrist pain (CTS) and post natal problems of the pelvic floor and coccyx pains. Please consider osteopathic healthcare as more than just pain relief, it there to promote the health of you and your unborn child.

Treatment may be supplemented by gentle exercises and other forms of self help which you can easily do at home (see useful tip for those expecting below). Advice is freely available on positions in labour to help prevent back problems later on, together with pain relief techniques for the mother and her birthing partner to help during labour. After delivery it is advised that mother and child return for structural examination, advice and check ups and, if necessary, for treatment.

Useful tips for those who are expecting:

• Look after your back during pregnancy, taking particular care when lifting and carrying - especially lifting other children or carrying shopping.
• Do not carry a small child on one hip for any length of time.
• Ask your osteopath for simple back stretching exercises.
• If you stand for any length of time, keep your bottom 'tucked in' to reduce the curvature of the lower part of your spine.
• When sitting, use a cushion for support and don't sit with your legs crossed. Avoid twisting movements as these may cause torsional strains within the pelvis.
• Lying on your side in bed, place a pillow under 'the bump' to provide support and also put a pillow between your knees to prevent back strain. Try not to let your hip rock forward thereby keeping your spine as straight as possible
• If you prefer to lie on your back, place pillows beneath your knees to keep them bent.
• Buy a pram with handles at a comfortable height for you.