Osteopathy in pregnancy

During pregnancy numerous physical changes take place in a relatively short period of time. There are changes in hormonal activity with sometimes unwelcome side effects. There is an increase in weight and a change of weight distribution in the musculoskeletal system. In addition, there is also growing pressure on the surrounding organs and other structures as the uterus increases in size.

All these changes can lead to a number of complaints. Moreover, already existing complaints may worsen. With the changes of both weight and weight distribution there will be an even heavier load placed on a possibly already overexerted back.

Conditions treated

Common complaints related to pregnancy include:

  • Pelvic pain/ pelvic instability
  • Back problems, both of lower back and upper back
  • Neck and shoulder complaints
  • Constipation or other intestinal problems

How can the osteopath help with these complaints?

First of all the cause (or causes) of the complaints will have to be identified. Is there restricted mobility in a vertebra, in the pelvis or the sacrum? Or perhaps there is reduced mobility of the region of the diaphragm and the chest? With gentle mobilisation techniques, the osteopath can restore such loss of mobility and thus reduce or even eliminate the pain.

On average four to five treatments are necessary to relieve these symptoms.