Osteopathy For Pregnancy
Osteopathy for Pregnancy
The expectant mother whose body is free of strains and tensions is better able to adapt to the major physical changes that occur during pregnancy. Osteopathy during the first trimester can target past injuries and traumas which may interfere with your pregnancy, and ultimately your labor and delivery. Osteopathy for pregnancy helps dissipate the pain and discomfort of postural changes that occur in the second and third trimesters with the increasing weight of your developing child. Hormonal changes affect the ligaments of your whole body and can make it more susceptible to strain. Common stress points are the ligaments of the sacroiliac joints at the back of your pelvis and the pubic symphysis at the front.
Symptoms During Pregnancy Can Include:
pain in the spine and pelvis
pubic symphysis pain
nausea
heartburn
shallow breathing
fluid retention
incontinence
diastasis or abdominal separation
How Can Osteopathy Help In The Prenatal Period?
Osteopathic manipulation during pregnancy is safe and gentle and can help maintain alignment and flexibility of your bony structures and keep you comfortable.
Symmetry and mobility of your breathing diaphragm can go a long way to relieving rib discomfort, heartburn and allowing your ribs to spread to accommodate your growing child. A flexible system can stretch in all directions.
Balancing the ever-changing pressures via the breathing diaphragm and the pelvic floor reduce the risk of separation of the abdominal muscles and pubic symphysis.
A fall on the tailbone (coccyx) or pelvic trauma from a previous delivery can increase tension in the pelvic ligaments and pelvic floor musculature. Osteopathy for pregnancy is very successful at realigning the pelvis and ensuring the soft tissues are flexible to allow for an easier labor and delivery. (see: OMT)
Research has shown that babies are very sensitive to the emotional stress of the mother, particularly when stress is prolonged. This can manifest in increased rates of mental health difficulties in adulthood. Craniosacral techniques are wonderful at balancing the nervous system and can help mitigate the effects on both mother and child. (see: Craniosacral Therapy)
Client Testimonial
“ I had been experiencing back and pelvic pain throughout my pregnancy. I was in pain most of the day - standing up and walking really aggravated it. It was like all my old injuries came back to haunt me, and then some. After having some osteopathic treatment I felt so much better.”
-Lillian C.
How Can Osteopathy Help In The Postnatal Period?
After your delivery, Osteopathic Treatment can help realign your spine and pelvis and address discomfort from prolonged positioning while cuddling or feeding. (see: OMT)
Episiotomy and caesarian section scars tug on cutaneous nerves impacting hip, groin and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Soft tissues techniques address scars and liberate trapped cutaneous nerves which can have a dramatic effect on mobility and pelvic floor function.
For breastfeeding mothers who wish to be proactive and seek prophylactic care against breast infections, Osteopathy can help. We maintain rib joint mobility, keep intercostal spaces open and help the lymphatics drain congestion.
An epidural leaves a tiny scar on the dura mater (wrapping around the nervous system) which can impact the slide and glide of your spinal cord during normal spinal movements. Osteopathic Practitioners understand very well the far reaching adverse effects nerve tension can have in the body and we have many effective techniques to restore nervous system mobility. (see: Craniosacral Therapy)
Visceral techniques address position and mobility of your bladder and uterus. (see: Visceral Manipulation)
Client Testimonial
“ My practitioner explained that my posture was stuck in the “post- pregnancy pose” even though I delivered my baby many months ago. My lower back was SO stiff and sore making it hard to look after my son. We worked together on posture, exercises and she loosened up the stiff area in my back where my epidural was. Now I can enjoy playing with my baby.”
-Jillian H.