Why is Osteopathy a great option for pain relief during pregnancy?
It is quite normal for women to experience discomfort and sometimes pain during their pregnancy as a result of the changes occurring within their body. With many of the usual pain relief not being suitable during this time, it’s great to know that Osteopathy offers a drug-free treatment for many different ailments both during and after pregnancy.
Don’t know where to turn?
Pregnancy is a unique and powerful experience. Many musculoskeletal, hormonal and emotional changes will take place in the body over a relatively short space of time. And whilst this is often one of the most wonderful and exciting things to happen in your life, it can also be increasingly uncomfortable and at times even painful too.
You are not alone
Up to 66% of pregnant women complain in particular, of back pain during the course of their pregnancy and in the months afterwards.
The body is stretching, changing and preparing. Hormonal changes in early pregnancy lead to ligaments starting to relax, this is to allow extra space for the baby to grow and eventually move into the birth canal for delivery. Whilst this truly is a wonder of the human body it can also unfortunately cause unstable joints in the mothers body. As a result, pain may be experienced in the lower back and pelvis.
As the pregnancy progresses, and the baby grows, the increased weight of the baby will affect the mother’s posture and put extra demand on the spine. With this unbalanced distribution of weight around the body, the extra stress on the back often leads to pain.
In addition as the baby grows, the mother’s abdominal muscles stretch, reducing the support of the spine and increasing the pressure on that part of the body. Many women also find that pre-existing back problems or strains from past injuries (accidents, falls, etc) can be aggravated by the musculoskeletal changes in the body.
How can Osteopathy help?
Gentle Osteopathic treatment can help pregnant women adapt to the new demands and changes in her body during this time. By treating each patient as uniquely as they are themselves, and by viewing their body as a whole rather than just the symptoms being presented, Osteopathic treatment is one of the best alternatives to medication when it comes to pain relief.
By helping to ensure a woman goes into the last stage of pregnancy and labour with good mobility in her lower back and pelvic joints, osteopathy can also have a positive impact on the quality of labour and delivery.
Pain relief and increased mobility – not just for pregnancy, but labour and onwards
We know that especially the joints of the pelvis need to move freely, expand and separate for a baby to pass through the birth canal. Using osteopathy to release any existing dysfunctions in the mother’s body can help to facilitate this.
Using gentle manipulation and massage, osteopathic therapy can reduce tension being held in the body. The release of this tension in a mother’s body can then help to make space for the baby to move into the best position possible as the date of delivery approaches.
Is Osteopathic treatment safe during pregnancy?
Qualified osteopaths are highly skilled and have undergone extensive training of at least 4 years, with specific training provided on treatment during pregnancy. You should always feel comfortable with your therapist to ask as many questions as you need to before therapy begins.
Gentle osteopathic techniques are perfectly safe at all stages of pregnancy. Here at the Mason Clinic, we are proud to have several therapists who specialise in treatments during fertility treatment, pregnancy and beyond.
What about after the baby has arrived?
Osteopathy can also be hugely beneficial after delivery, for mother and baby alike.
We have had the honour and pleasure to see many newborn babies for treatment but it is also very important for mothers to get checked after having given birth. Every single delivery is different, and so many things occur during what can be quite a stressful event. By visiting us when you are able following the birth, we will be able to advice and assist with your post-delivery recovery.
Osteopathic care during the months following delivery.
Life with a newborn baby can be stressful and challenging. This is a time when women are bending over a lot (nappy changes, lifting car seats, breastfeeding, etc). Ligaments will still be stretched and relaxed for some time after delivery, and abdominal muscles will be seriously compromised. This combination of things can lead to a level of instability and more pressure on the joints.
Osteopaths can help with this by releasing tissue tension, mobilise areas of stiffness and help the body to regain balance after pregnancy. Assisting with the stabilisation of joints while muscle strength is built up again following the months of pregnancy.
Some women might also suffer from pelvic floor problems after delivery. We can offer advice and assistance for many complaints at this unique time in your life.
So, whatever your stage of family planning, pregnancy or post-partum, get in touch with the Mason Clinic here to find out how we can help you stay strong, comfortable and pain free during this time.
