OSTEOPATHY DURING PREGNANCY

7 REASONS TO SEE AN OSTEOPATH DURING PREGNANCY

1. Relieving Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain:

Pregnancy often leads to physical changes that put strain on the body, resulting in musculoskeletal discomfort. Osteopathic treatments can provide effective relief by targeting specific areas of pain and imbalance. Techniques such as gentle joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation, and stretching can help alleviate lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, and other common discomforts associated with pregnancy. By restoring balance to the body, osteopathy aims to enhance mobility and reduce pain, allowing expectant mothers to embrace the joy of pregnancy.

2. Promoting Optimal Pelvic Alignment:

During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes that affect the ligaments and joints, particularly in the pelvic region. Osteopathic manual therapy can help ensure optimal pelvic alignment, which is essential for the baby's growth and development and the mother's comfort.

By addressing pelvic imbalances, osteopathy can reduce the risk of complications during labor and delivery, such as malpositioning of the baby or prolonged labor. Restoring pelvic alignment can also help enhance the efficiency of the mother's movements and promote better postural support.

3. Supporting Pelvic Health:

The pelvic region undergoes substantial strain during pregnancy and childbirth. Osteopathic treatments can help optimize pelvic alignment, balance, and stability, reducing the risk of pelvic imbalances or asymmetry. By addressing any restrictions or misalignments in the pelvis, osteopaths can enhance the function of the pelvic organs, improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs, and potentially minimize complications such as breech presentation.

4. Preparing for Childbirth:

Osteopathy can play a valuable role in preparing a woman's body for labor and delivery. Osteopaths can work on releasing tension in the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding muscles to create a more balanced and relaxed environment for the baby's descent through the birth canal. Additionally, by ensuring optimal alignment of the spine and pelvis, osteopathy can potentially help facilitate a smoother and less obstructed labor process.

5. Supporting Digestive Health:

Pregnancy hormones can influence digestion, leading to issues such as heartburn, bloating, and constipation. Osteopathic techniques, including gentle abdominal manipulations, can help improve digestive function by stimulating peristalsis and relieving tension in the surrounding musculature. By optimizing digestive health, osteopathy contributes to the overall well-being of the mother and reduces discomfort during this critical phase.

6. Enhancing Circulation and Reducing Swelling:

As pregnancy progresses, many women experience swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid retention and reduced circulation. Osteopathic treatments can incorporate lymphatic drainage techniques, which promote the removal of excess fluids and enhance circulation. By reducing swelling, osteopathy helps improve comfort and mobility, enabling expectant mothers to navigate their daily activities with greater ease.

7. Emotional and Mental Well-being:

Pregnancy is a time of emotional and psychological changes, and the well-being of the expectant mother is of utmost importance. Osteopathy recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body, and through gentle manual therapy, it can provide a sense of relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional support. Osteopathy often incorporates techniques that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of deep relaxation and enhancing the overall well-being.

OSTEOPATHY CAN HELP WITH THESE COMMON PREGNANCY CONDITIONS:

• low back pain

• pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

• SI joint pain

• sciatica

• pelvic floor issues

  • stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

  • urge urinary incontinence (UUI)

  • pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

• diastasis recti abdominis - core repair and restore

• reflux (GERD)

• digestive issues

• carpal tunnel

• headaches, migraines

• muscle tensions & imbalances

• birth prep

• postural aches and pains

• neck pain

• pubic symphysis pain

EXERCISE PLANS FOR PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM

Shauna is a certified athletic therapist, as well an an osteopathic manual therapist and an expert in perinatal exercise. She has worked with Olympic level athletes and every-day active people for over 20 years. She will happily provide you with an individualized, goal-oriented, exercise plan for any stage of pregnancy or postpartum.