Osteopathy during pregnancy

Nov 8

As an Osteopath, I see lots of expectant mothers experiencing some discomfort. Especially in the last trimester, the position of baby can cause all sorts of aches and pains, from pelvic girdle pain (PGP) to heartburn and reflux.

Is Osteopathy safe for the baby during pregnancy?

Ask your GP if you’re ever unsure, but many obstetricians, midwives, nurses and doctors will refer their patient to see an Osteopath during all stages of pregnancy. Osteopaths are regulated, registered professionals who must always treat in a manner deemed safe by the medical regulation authority (AHPRA).

What do pregnant women come in for?

Pelvic pain, hip pain, back pain, difficulty walking, and heartburn are all the conditions I see most regularly in pregnant women.

Sometimes, headaches appear during pregnancy, and that can be related to a slackening of ligaments that have allowed the neck to destabilise a little.

As pregnant women are also often working, exercising, and going about their daily lives as normal, I also treat women for their usual aches and pains while they are pregnant too.

Sometimes the pregnancy actually helps to relieve tightness that has been difficult to resolve previously, so it can be the best time to get treatment for problems that you’ve always had anyway.

Are you able to treat if I can’t lie on my front?

Yes, absolutely! I can make you very comfy lying on your side with a nest of pillows if need be. Nearly all treatments I do can be performed lying on your back, sides, or seated, and most of them are actually most effective in those positions during pregnancy anyway.

Can you do anything to help me prepare for labour?

Definitely! I can offer advice and exercises to prepare you for a natural delivery or a C-section. I can treat the pelvic floor, hip stabilisers and spinal muscles to help you deliver with minimising of pain and injury.

I can offer exercises and treatment to help encourage baby to engage properly leading up to your due date, and I follow the Spinning Babies protocol for breech babies. There are plenty of exercises you can do at home to encourage babies to sit in the best position for giving birth.

I can also offer advice on birthing positions that will best suit you and lower your risks of tearing and injuring your pelvic floor and other muscles.

If you would like to chat on the phone before booking an appointment, I’m always happy to discuss your needs on 0483 802 208.

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