/ Osteopathic care during pregnancy

Osteopathic care during pregnancy

Up to 50% of pregnant women experience pelvic and back pain at some stage throughout their pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body undergoes mechanical, postural and hormonal changes which increase the load on your joints and your connective tissues in your pelvis and lower back. This can create tension, stiffness and pain. During pregnancy, osteopaths can provide manual therapy, exercise support and postural advice which encourages movement and reduces pain for the mother-to-be.

Osteopathic approach to the pregnant patient

Getting your body ready for birth

Osteopaths work with women across all trimesters of pregnancy to prepare your body for labour and birth. An osteopath will:

Carry out a thorough assessment to identify any musculoskeletal or postural issues
Develop a management plan that consists of manual therapy and exercise to prepare your body for labour and birth
Provide individualised treatment that encourages movement and reduces pain and tension during pregnancy
Provide specific exercise, positioning and postural advice to aid with comfort and reduce postural fatigue
Liaise with your midwife, obstetrician or GP and provide appropriate referral, if necessary

Following birth

After the birth of your baby, your body may need some time to recover. Your osteopath will take a health history to identify any post-partum complications such as post-natal depression, pelvic floor conditions, mastitis or breastfeeding issues. Osteopaths trained in pelvic floor screening may provide an external physical examination of the pelvic floor. They may be able to provide treatment for some of these conditions or appropriate referral to another health professional for more specific diagnosis and treatment.

Exercise during pregnancy

Exercise and movement are helpful in reducing pain during pregnancy and may improve your overall health and wellbeing. Depending on your gestation, pain and any clinical conditions your osteopath can provide an individualised exercise program and advice to help with improving your strength, flexibility and overall health.

Getting down to parenting

Osteopaths can provide additional support and advice for getting back to daily life and looking after your new baby.

Taking care of yourself

There are many simple things you can do to look after yourself after your pregnancy, including:

Eating a well-balanced, high-fibre diet and choosing meals that can bolster your mood and milk supply while delivering key nutrients to you and your baby
Drinking plenty of water
Connecting regularly to family and friends for assistance, care or support for you and your baby
Reaching out to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, lactation consultant or paediatrician for breastfeeding advice
Ensuring adequate rest and sleep
Speak with your GP about any conditions like irregular bleeding, mastitis or post-natal depression

Resources

Self-care tips for pregnant women

Australian Breastfeeding Association

International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners

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Osteopathy involves clinical care of the neuro-musculoskeletal system, which is made up of the bones, muscles, nerves and other tissues that support your body and control its movements.

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