Osteopathy is well recognized as a treatment
for back trouble in pregnancy but most people
are unaware of its full potential. Many of
the conditions suffered in pregnancy are symptoms
of an overall pattern of imbalance in the
body. By finding and correcting these imbalances,
osteopathy can alleviate many of the adverse
side effects of pregnancy in the body. This
helps ensure an easier more comfortable pregnancy
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The aches and pains that are common in pregnancy,
result from the body changing shape to accommodate
the increasing size and weight of the uterus.
The ligaments of the whole body also soften
during pregnancy, due to the action of hormones.
This allows the bones of the pelvis to separate
slightly during delivery to facilitate the
passage of the baby’s head through the
pelvis. Unfortunately this softening affects
the whole body and makes it more vulnerable
to strain. Postural imbalances may cause backache,
sciatica, neckache, headaches, aching legs,
and fatigue. If prior to pregnancy a woman’s
body is already under stress from previous
strains, trauma or lifestyle factors these
changes are likely to impose a physical strain
on all the organs and tissues.
Osteopathic treatment aims to assist the
body in making postural changes more easily,
making the pregnancy more comfortable.
Osteopathy can also assist in preparation
for labour. By ensuring correct
alignment of the pelvic bones and balanced
pelvic floor muscles, this creates extra space
for the baby's passage down the birth canal.
Post Natal Care
After
the baby is born, it
is often suggested, by midwives, that it is
advisable for the
mother to be checked to make sure that
they do not have future problems with back
pain, abdominal strength, pelvic floor muscles
and associated symptoms post birth.
Post-natal
problems with incontinence, depression, coccyx
pain and back/pelvic pain may respond
favourably to osteopathic treatment.
Breast
feeding can sometimes lead to back and
shoulder pain. An osteopath can use simpe
techniques to alleviate this.
Sarah has undertaken post
graduate courses in obstetrics at Oxford
Brookes University
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