Osteopathy in Pregnancy: What It Can Help With and What to Expect
Aches and pains are a normal part of pregnancy, but that doesn't mean you have to put up with them. Your body changes a great deal in nine months. Your posture shifts as your bump grows, your ligaments soften under the hormone relaxin, and the way you stand, walk and sleep all change.
Many of the women I see in clinic tell me they assumed back or pelvic pain was just something to get through. Sometimes simple changes and some hands-on treatment can make the months ahead more comfortable.
This post explains which aches are common, how osteopathy may help, whether it's safe, and what to expect if you come to see me in Bramley.
Common aches in pregnancy
These are the problems pregnant women most often come to see me about:
Lower back pain. As your bump grows, your centre of gravity moves forward and the curve in your lower back tends to increase. This puts extra load on the joints and muscles of the back.
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Pain at the front of the pelvis, around the pubic bone, or at the back near the sacroiliac joints. It is often worse when walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car or turning over in bed.
Pain under the ribs or in the mid-back. In later pregnancy your baby takes up more room, and the ribcage and diaphragm have to adapt.
Neck and shoulder tension. Changes in posture, disturbed sleep and, later on, feeding and carrying a newborn can all play a part.
Buttock and leg pain. Sometimes called sciatica, though in pregnancy it is often referred from the pelvis or buttock muscles rather than coming from a trapped nerve.
These problems are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with. Getting help early often makes them easier to manage.
How osteopathy can help
Osteopathy aims to ease pain and help your body cope with the changes of pregnancy. Treatment is gentle and adapted to how far along you are. It may include soft tissue work to ease tight muscles, gentle joint mobilisation, and cranial osteopathy, a very light hands-on approach many pregnant women find relaxing.
Treatment is only part of it. I'll also give you practical advice you can use at home, such as:
how to get in and out of bed or the car with less pelvic pain
sleeping positions and where a pillow helps
simple stretches and exercises suited to your stage of pregnancy
how to pace activity through the day
Is osteopathy safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Osteopathy is generally safe throughout pregnancy when given by a registered osteopath. All osteopaths in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, which sets standards for training and practice.
Treatment is adapted as your pregnancy progresses:
Positioning. From mid-pregnancy onwards I'll avoid having you lie flat on your back for long, as this can make some women feel faint. Most treatment is done lying on your side, sitting, or propped up with pillows.
Techniques. I use gentle approaches and adapt them to how you're feeling on the day.
Communication. You're always in control. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell me and I'll change what I'm doing or stop.
It's a good idea to let your midwife know you're seeing an osteopath. If you have any complications in your pregnancy, please tell me at your first appointment so I can plan treatment safely.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first appointment at Surrey Osteopathic Care in Bramley usually goes like this:
We talk. I'll ask about your pregnancy so far, your symptoms, your general health and what you'd like help with.
I examine. I'll look at how you move and gently assess your back, pelvis and any other areas that are bothering you.
We agree a plan. I'll explain what I think is going on and what treatment I'd suggest, so you can decide whether you want to go ahead.
Treatment. Gentle, hands-on treatment in a position that's comfortable for you.
Advice to take home. Practical tips and exercises to help between appointments.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring your maternity notes if you have them to hand. There's no need for a referral from your GP or midwife.
When to contact your midwife or GP instead
Some symptoms need checking by your maternity team, not an osteopath. Contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away if you have:
vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
severe or constant tummy pain, or regular tightenings before 37 weeks
a change in your baby's usual pattern of movements
a severe headache, problems with your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
a high temperature
pain, swelling or redness in one calf
numbness around your bottom or genitals, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowels
If you're ever unsure, call your midwife or maternity unit. They would always rather hear from you.
Getting in touch
If pregnancy aches are getting in the way of your day or your sleep, you're welcome to get in touch. I see pregnant women at every stage at my clinic in Bramley, near Guildford. If you're not sure whether osteopathy is right for you, just ask and I'll give you an honest answer.