Often, pregnant women are told that the aches and pains they experience during pregnancy are “just part of pregnancy”, but it doesn’t have to be.
A primary goal of osteopathy treatment during pregnancy is to help the body accommodate the growing fetus. With the growth of the baby comes physical changes that may affect the woman’s pelvis and spine. This is why common symptoms experienced by pregnant women occur in the front and back of the pelvis and along the spine. Reflux, also a common symptom, may be the result of tension in the diaphragm as baby grows.
The growing fetus causes the pelvis to expand and rotate forward which can cause pain in the sacroiliac joints and pubic bone if these joints are restricted in any way.
The curves of the spine also change in an effort to keep you in gravity, so while the pelvis tilts forward, the low back curve (lordosis) is exaggerated causing the upper curves of the spine to become more upright, again in order to keep you in gravity.
If your body is restricted in any way, these areas are unable to accommodate the changes and can become a source of discomfort.
Can Osteopathy Help With Pregnancy Discomforts?
Mobilization techniques are used to encourage movement in restricted joints, allowing for increased range of motion. Soft tissue techniques applied to aching muscles help to reduce tension in tight muscles, allowing improved circulation and nerve flow, especially to the lower extremities.
Osteopathic Treatment
Treatment for pregnancy pain and discomforts begins with a thorough case history and assessment to determine the underlying cause of your pain. Our practitioner will conduct specific tests, discuss treatment options, and provide you with a safe and individualized treatment program. This may include stretches and exercises so you can remain proactive in your recovery. In some cases, a referral to a specialist may be required.
