Expectant & New Mothers 

Supporting Your Body During Pregnancy

Osteopathy can provide significant support for pregnant women by addressing the numerous musculoskeletal changes and challenges that occur throughout pregnancy as your body adapts to accommodate your growing baby.

Understanding Pregnancy-Related Body Changes

During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause ligaments to become more lax, particularly affecting your pelvis and spine. Concurrently, the increasing weight and forward shift of your centre of gravity places additional stress on your lower back, pelvis, and postural muscles.

How Osteopathy Can Help During Pregnancy

Your osteopath can help manage common pregnancy-related conditions such as lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, rib pain from your expanding ribcage, neck and shoulder tension from postural changes, or breathing difficulties caused by your baby pressing against your diaphragm. Treatment involves gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques including soft tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, gentle joint mobilisation to maintain pelvic and spinal mobility, and specific exercises to strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles in preparation for labour and delivery. Your osteopath will also focus on optimising pelvic alignment and mobility, which can help ensure your baby has adequate space for proper positioning and may facilitate an easier labour and delivery process. Treatment approaches are adapted for each trimester, with particular attention to positioning during treatment sessions and avoiding techniques that could be harmful during pregnancy.

Postpartum Support & Recovery

Additionally, osteopathy can help with postpartum recovery by addressing issues like diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), ongoing back pain from lifting and feeding your baby, neck and shoulder strain from breastfeeding positions, and helping restore normal pelvic function after delivery. This support aims to facilitate your return to normal activities and exercise while caring for your new baby.