Pregnancy is a time when many women are more aware of their body. For many women, pregnancy means having to cope with a whole range of symptoms from low back pain and morning sickness to indigestion. Some of these symptoms are caused by the changes that are taking place in the ligaments and muscles as the baby grows and as hormonal changes occur.
As the baby grows, the mother’s weight increases and her centre of gravity changes. This results in many women suffering from low back pain. Similarly, as breast weight increases, a woman’s upper back may also be cause for complaint. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help the body adjust to these changes
During pregnancy, the ligaments become slightly looser. This may cause old problems to recur or may contribute towards new problems, especially low back pain. The pressure of the baby on the diaphragm may cause heartburn. Both this and morning sickness may be eased by treating the soft tissues around the diaphragm to relax them.
Osteopathy may also be used to work on other problems during pregnancy such as local circulatory and digestive problems, etc.
The treatment of pregnant women forms part of our osteopathic training. Treatment is gentle, including rhythmic mobilisation of joints, relaxation and stretching of muscles, soft tissue massage and subtle release techniques.
Although this type of treatment is used for helping babies, we find that many mums who come for a post-natal check-up for their babies forget that they often also need their back and pelvic alignment checked.
Many pregnant women and post partum mums still put up with pain that may be alleviated by treatment.
Post Partum Osteopathy / treating mum after baby is born
After delivery, ideally we think that both mother and baby should return to your osteopath for a post-natal check-up as the birth process may also lead to problems for the mother – the most frequent being mid and low back pain – a gentle treatment soon after the birth can help the mothers body return to a state of balance more quickly.
Early treatment often helps to prevent imbalances from becoming chronic musculoskeletal problems. For some women, problems like symphysis pubis dystocia / pubic symphysis pain (SPD) and discomfort do not ease quickly after delivery. Osteopathic treatment  alongside gentle exercises often helps the pelvis to rebalance and may reduce the discomfort.
Osteopathic treatment of pregnant and postpartum mothers is a gentle method of easing problems
Many recent problems often resolve with 3 – 6 treatments, some chronic conditions do best with regular check-ups.
Here at Amersham Osteopathic Clinic, we specialise in osteopathy for babies, children, pregnant and post partum mums.