Osteopathy & Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a unique and powerful life experience for both parents. Although it is a natural process and part of the normal life cycle, pregnancy causes a woman’s body to undergo immense physical, physiological, hormonal and emotional changes.

A woman's body is constantly changing during pregnancy. The effects of hormones softening the ligaments, the position of the growing baby, postural changes and increases in weight can put new demands and pressure on the joints, ligaments and muscles of the spine or pelvis. Osteopathic treatment can help to alleviate these stresses.  By also ensuring that the movement of the pelvic girdle is balanced and the hormonal control of the labour is at an optimum, osteopathy during pregnancy, can aid the process of labour and delivery. 

A check up after delivery can also assist with easing the physical strains of giving birth, and helping with the body's optimal recovery. An osteopath may also be able to help with advice and treatment to aid breast feeding and assist your body to adapt to the new postural demands of feeding and carrying a newborn and growing infant.

Some of the symptoms pregnant women talk to an osteopath about include:

  • Low back ache including sacroiliac joints and the coccyx
  • Hip pain
  • Sciatica and aching legs
  • Pain in the front of the pelvis over the pubic area
  • Upper back pain and neck ache
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome ( pins and needles of the hands and fingers)
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty getting comfortable at night
  • Digestive symptoms and urinary frequency

Osteopathy is a safe and non-invasive method of treatment which can play an important part in antenatal and postnatal care. The osteopath will take a thorough medical history and undertake a specialised osteopathic examination to assess the patient’s suitability for osteopathic care. Where necessary the osteopath will refer for other tests or to other health care providers. Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manual procedures which support the pregnant mother by enabling her body to accommodate to the changes of pregnancy without undue stress and strain. Osteopathy can be beneficial before, during and after pregnancy.

If you would like more information please contact the SCTF of ANZ for contact details of local osteopaths with experience in the care of women during pregnancy and beyond.

Last updated: December 28, 2009