Pregnancy is a very special time for a woman and her unborn child. The mother-to-be must adapt to many physical, hormonal and emotional changes in a short period of time. Osteopathic manual therapy can help the mother accommodate these changes making pregnancy and childbirth easier and promoting the ideal environment for the developing baby.

Preparing for Pregnancy

If you’re planning for a pregnancy you may consider receiving osteopathic treatment to help prepare your body and encourage successful conception. Treatment can help to balance hormones, and promote optimal blood and neurological supply to the pelvis and reproductive organs. It can also address any biomechanical restrictions of the spine and pelvis to allow for adaptations during pregnancy, and release any abdominal scarring from previous surgeries or infections that may restrict conception and growth of the uterus during pregnancy.

During Pregnancy

Some of the many anatomical and physiological changes that occur in women during pregnancy to allow for development of the baby include postural changes, additional weight, increased hormone production, and compression of abdominal and pelvic viscera. The above factors place additional stress on the joints and soft tissue of the spine and pelvis which commonly leads to low back pain, sciatica, and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Other common complaints during pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation, shortness of breath, fatigue, insomnia, frequent urination, and swelling or edema.

Osteopathic treatment is a safe and effective approach for helping mothers cope with the above symptoms. Osteopathy aims to normalize structures so that they may function as efficiently as possible. The aim during pregnancy is to assist the natural process and promote optimal growth of the baby. Treatment during pregnancy also helps prepare the mother’s body for birth and can help reduce the risk of complications.

After Delivery

Mothers tend to put their baby’s well-being before themselves; however, it’s important that they are healthy in order to cope with the challenges of life with a new baby. Osteopathic treatment can help restore normal position and function of the tissues, and address any unresolved stresses during labour and delivery. Treatment is especially beneficial if any interventions were utilized during birth, such as induction, epidurals, or caesarean sections.