The constantly changing stresses and strains of pregnancy, along with the influence of changing hormonal balances on ligaments and joints, can highlight old physical weaknesses. Finding new ways to become comfortable because of the changes in size and shape will often introduce new aches and pains.
Despite wide-held beliefs, backache, sciatica and hip pain are not an inevitable part of pregnancy. In actual fact, this is generally is a time when women are usually more responsive to the benefits of Osteopathic treatment. Using massage techniques, mobilisation and stretching of joints, together with simple exercise regimes and sensible back care advice, Osteopathy can certainly help ease the discomfort.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), diagnosed as pain or pressure in the groin or lower abdomen, can make walking and even moving extremely difficult. The majority of patients with these (often misdiagnosed) symptoms respond very well to Osteopathy.
Osteopathy can also provide space for the growing foetus to move within the womb by releasing areas of tightness or restriction and thus helping with foetal positioning as the pregnancy develops. Both mother and baby can duly be better prepared for labour and delivery.
After nine months of pregnancy and the experience of labour, you now have a growing baby to lift, carry, feed, and comfort. Osteopathy can also have postnatal benefits, helping to get you back in shape more quickly and to help you deal with the stresses and strains of early motherhood.