Mums & Babes

Mums

How can osteopathy help me during pregnancy?

During the different stages of pregnancy the body goes through a lot of changes causing tension and pain in different parts of the body. Osteopathy is able to assist mums throughout this process by working on the different structures that are affected during each trimester of pregnancy and afterwards help them getting ready to give birth as well as supporting them post partum.

—

Common conditions during the different trimesters of pregnancy and osteopathic treatment:

First Trimester:

• Pain in the shoulder girdle and thoracic outlet due to breast enlargement.

• Breathing difficulties due to disfunction of the diaphragm.

• Nausea/morning sickness.

Treatment:

Support the mum through the postural changes, work on muscle strengthening to counteract the loose nature of the soft tissues during pregnancy educating on stretching and exercises, release tension around the shoulders and thoracic spine, evaluate and treat the diaphragm, maintain mobility of spine and pelvis/hips region.

Second Trimester:

• Lower back pain due to the increase in spinal curves and anterior rotation of the pelvis.

• Swelling in the lower limbs due to drainage difficulties.

• Constipation and urinary incontinence caused by the compression of the uterus over the bladder and bowels in order to make more space for the growing baby.

Treatment:

Work on postural equilibrium and organs stability by ensuring balance between the abdominal muscles anteriorly and the deep muscles of the spine posteriorly as well as the fascia covering all these soft tissues, evaluation and strengthening of the pelvic floor.

Third Trimester:

• Pelvic pain caused by the increased weight of the belly and anterior rotation of the pelvis.

• Lower back pain caused by a further increase in spinal curves.

• Tension and tightness in the posterior muscles of the lower limbs to counteract the anterior weight of the belly.

Treatment:

Release tension in the pelvic area and pelvic floor muscles as well as evaluating the shoulder girdle which undergoes a lot of stress due to the weight of the breasts, ensure good mobility of hips and all pelvis joints to facilitate the birthing process.

—

Osteopathy can be useful also post partum with the main aim of supporting the body readapt after all the changes it goes through during pregnancy, by working on mobility and muscle tension release as well as muscle strengthening. The treatment of C section scars through gentle fascial release can be a valid tool to avoid the formation of tissues adherences with possible consequences on posture. Last but not least, osteopathy can be beneficial for mums during breastfeeding as it helps releasing all the tension that can build up throughout the shoulder girdle and upper thoracic outlet.