Osteopathic treatment throughout pregnancy helps the body to adapt to the changing posture as a result of the growing uterus. Patients often report improvement in the following areas:

Aches, Pains and fatigue

Back pain, sciatica, headaches and fatigue are all common indications that the body is struggling to adapt to the changes in posture necessary in pregnancy.  Osteopathy can be very helpful in reducing postural strain and tension.

Symphysis Pubis Diastasis (SPD)

This is the name for pain in the front of the pelvis as a result of the ligaments of the pelvis softening and becoming strained during pregnancy. Osteopathy can often help to relieve this painful condition by improving the mechanical function and balance of the pelvis.

Digestive problems

Imbalances of muscular tension around the diaphragm caused by postural changes in pregnancy can contribute to digestive disturbances such as nausea, indigestion and heartburn.

Breathlessness

With advancing pregnancy, as the enlarging uterus rises higher in the abdomen, the lower ribs spread to create more space. This changes the action of the diaphragm and can reduce the avaliable lung capacity, and cause breathlessness.  Osteopathy can help to balance the postural accommodation to the enlarging uterus, to maximise available lung capacity.

Reduced space for abdominal and pelvic organs

Whilst the uterus with its developing baby and placenta grows upwards into the abdomen, the bladder and bowels have to move aside to create space.This may result in a variety of symptoms related to these organs.  Osteopathy can help in rebalancing the tension of the diaphragm and pelvic floor, and balancing the uterus on its supporting ligaments, to relieve pressure on other organs.