How Osteopathy Relates To Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings with it a diverse range of changes in the body. These changes are made to create an environment that is welcoming to a growing baby. As the baby grows, the mother will experience inevitable changes to her posture. These postural changes are due to weight, ligament softening, and the constant positioning of the baby. All of these factors can create additional joint pressure, pelvic muscle pressure, and spinal pressure. Some of the most common issues that occur during pregnancy are:
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back pain
- Fatigue
- Sciatica
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Insomnia
- Shoulder, neck and upper back pain
- High blood pressure
- Swelling
How Does Osteopathy Help During Pregnancy?
Osteopathy is the belief that function and structure are both interdependent and interrelated. As such, treatments are geared towards normalizing the structure of the body so that it functions optimally. During pregnancy, there is a fundamental change that affects the structure of the body, thus reducing efficiency. Treatments for pregnant women are the same as with any of our other patients. Osteopathy hopes to aid the natural pregnancy and birth processes by assisting the body as it moves into each stage of pregnancy. Our osteopathic treatment makes use of efficient techniques that are safe and comfortable for the mother and baby alike.
When it’s time to give birth, many factors can affect the child’s descent through the pelvic area. If the pelvis is rigid or twisted, the passage can be hampered. Osteopathic therapies can help by ensuring the pelvis and lower back are aligned to reduce the amount of restriction and the tension experienced. It will also help your body to support your new baby and your healing with less pain after birth.
Is Osteopathic Treatment During Pregnancy Safe?
Osteopathy at Ultimate Health Clinic is a safe and gentle treatment that is therapeutic for both the baby and the mother. Techniques employed during pregnancy have been tailored to ensure there is no risk involved. Although these treatments are gentle, each treatment plan is adapted to the needs of each patient. In some sessions, special pregnancy cushions will be used to complete certain techniques. As a patient, verbalizing your comfort levels is always encouraged.
Osteopathy has been successful in reducing a vast number of aches, pains and symptoms that are related to pregnancy. Common groin and pelvic pain are two of the most commonly treated issues,but we are also able to assist with sciatica and digestive complications. Pelvic imbalances can also have a detrimental effect on the baby’s positioning. In these cases, osteopathy can be used to help correct and prevent further imbalances.
Correcting pelvic imbalances and providing advice on proper posture will help encourage your baby to maintain a good birth position. This can make your birth experience easier in the long run. If your due date has passed, we may also be able to help naturally induce your labor in a gentle manner. Instead of using medical induction which creates stronger and more painful contractions, osteopathy is a gentler alternative.
How We Can Help
The main goal of osteopathy is to improve our patient’s quality of life. When you are in less pain, you are in a better position to find more joy in your pregnancy journey. We are always concerned about your safety, and each of our osteopaths has spent years training. Osteopathy is safe throughout your pregnancy and Ultimate Health Clinic is always here to help. If you are interested in booking your appointment, then please contact us today at 905-251-0162.
