There are many musculoskeletal, hormonal, and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, and this all happens in a relatively short amount of time...
While this is an amazing time, it can bring some challenges as your body adjusts to the demands of pregnancy and changes in your posture as your baby grows.
Due to this, many pregnant women experience some form of back pain during their pregnancies. Additionally, other issues such as, headaches, heartburn, neck pain, rib pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel, pubic symphysis dysfunction and plantar fasciitis can also be common pregnancy complaints as well. The causes for this can include:
- Rising levels of the hormone elastin, which increases the laxity of ligaments to accommodate postural changes and labour can lead to unstable joints and new pain
- Less support from the abdominal muscles as they stretch and weaken to accommodate the increasing size and weight of the baby
- Increase in size and weight of breasts can create aches and pains in the back, shoulders and neck
Osteopathy can assist with easing the discomforts that are directly associated with the demands on your body from pregnancy and prepare you for labour and beyond.
We do this by ensuring that your pelvis and muscles are in alignment which helps to optimise your body for positioning of your baby and delivery through the birth canal. We can also teach breathing techniques, stretches and mobility exercises to assist with your comfort during your pregnancy to encourage general wellbeing beyond.
Gentle osteopathic techniques are very safe at all stages of pregnancy and we recommend consulting an osteopath as soon as symptoms start to ensure that you feel more relaxed and comfortable and able to enjoy your pregnancy with fewer stresses.
