Osteopathy for pregnant women

Pregnancy is a unique and powerful experience but it can be uncomfortable too.

Changes during pregnancy such as:

softening of ligaments
weight increases and
changes to posture

can lead to additional pressure on joints in various parts of the body, including the spine or pelvis.

This can cause sciatica, backache or pain around your pelvic joints.

Osteopathy may help relieve these symtoms. Be assured it’s safe to be treated during pregnancy and after birth.

What to expect on your first appointment

Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms. We will therefore ask you about your symptoms and about your health in general. This will include past accidents, your lifestyle your family’s health history

When assessing the way your body works we will evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms, but also associated areas that may be contributing to the issue.

For instance past injuries may have left stiffness or restricted mobility.

This in turn may make it difficult for your body to compensate for weight gain, postural changes and softening ligaments.

Osteopaths are trained to screen for medical conditions, so you are in safe hands, if we think you need to see your doctor or midwife we will tell you (and explain why).

Treatment

We will explain what we think is causing your problem and what might help. We use a wide range of manual techniques which might include massage, stretching and Cranial*.

We work very gently when treating expectant mothers. In fact with the softening of ligaments that pregnancy brings, gentle treatment is often all it takes to achieve improvements.

During your visit we may give you tips and advice, simple “do’s and don’ts” and exercises too, where necessary.

*Cranial techniques are safe, gentle and non-manipulative. They are often used when treating new born infants and young children. In fact gentle manipulation could help soothe and relax your baby (or babies!) when it or they are born.