About Prenatal Osteopathy
During pregnancy the body goes through immense physical, hormonal and emotional changes. Prenatal osteopathy helps the body to adapt to these changes allowing for a as pain free and easy pregnancy as possible. Osteopathic care in pregnancy aims to optimise the balance in a woman’s body, decrease physical stress, improve fluid dynamics, improve the birth outcome and postnatal recovery.
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy may include but is not limited to techniques such as:
- massage
- pressure point release
- stretching
- joint articulation or adjustments
- subtle balancing such as cranial osteopathy.
The extensive physiological and structural changes that occur within the maternal body can disrupt normal bodily structure and function. The effects of hormonal softening of ligaments, the position of the growing baby, postural changes and increase in weight can put additional pressure on joints and muscles of the spine and pelvis.
Common Conditions seen by Osteopaths during Pregnancy
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Sciatica
- Postural changes
- Headaches
- Swelling and fluid retention
- Numbness in hands and fingers
- Positional issues with baby e.g. breech, transverse, posterior presentation
Low Back Pain during Pregnancy
It has been estimated that about 50% of pregnant women will suffer from some kind of low back pain during the pregnancy or in their postpartum period. Pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain are two forms of low back pain during pregnancy. Pelvic girdle pain is four times more prevalent during pregnancy and postpartum as compared to lumbar pain.
The nature of the pain is often described as:
- Deep
- Stabbing
- Unilateral or bilateral pain
- Recurrent or continuous pain
Is Osteopathy Safe in Pregnancy?
Osteopathic treatments during pregnancy are safe. All of our prenatal osteos are highly trained with a minimum of four years university study and most have additional training in the prenatal field. Prenatal Osteopathy when performed by professionals such as our prenatal osteopaths is safe during all stages of pregnancy.
With any high risk pregnancies it’s always best to check with your doctor first and inform your prenatal osteopath of any issues during the first consultation so they can tailor the treatment accordingly.
During your visit, your prenatal osteopath will assess how your body is functioning. Any past medical history, occupation, exercise regime, or other factors that may affect the overall well-being are taken into consideration.
Osteopathic treatments during pregnancy are safe. All of our prenatal osteos are highly trained with a minimum of four years university study and most have additional training in the prenatal field. Prenatal Osteopathy when performed by professionals such as our prenatal osteopaths is safe during all stages of pregnancy.
With any high risk pregnancies it’s always best to check with your doctor first and inform your prenatal osteopath of any issues during the first consultation so they can tailor the treatment accordingly.
During your visit, your prenatal osteopath will assess how your body is functioning. Any past medical history, occupation, exercise regime, or other factors that may affect the overall well-being are taken into consideration.
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