Osteopathy is a safe treatment during your pregnancy and could help alleviate the symptoms experienced throughout the different stages.
Low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) are very common during pregnancy which can sometimes continue after childbirth. LBP and PGP can have a massive impact on pregnant women's quality of life, stopping you from doing your daily activities, disturbing your sleep, etc. Low back pain is usually more common in the 3rd trimester.
The specific causes of lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy are not fully understood however there are multiple theories such as the change in posture, especially the increasing lumbar lordosis, and the hormonal changes which can lead to pelvic girdle instability.
The hormonal level (oestrogen and progesterone) changes during your pregnancy to allow musculoskeletal changes but also the growth of your baby. These changes increase the laxity of the ligaments which could make you more prone to injuries. During the third trimester as the bump becomes bigger, the growing baby can add extra discomfort due to the restricted space, pressing on your organs possibly leading to digestive issues or putting pressure on your ribs affecting your breathing. The growing bump may also add extra pressure to your spine and pelvis. Osteopathy may help relieve the stress and strains your body goes through during the different stages of pregnancy.
Osteopathy postpartum
After childbirth, it is easy to put all focus on your new baby, but it is just as important to look after yourself and make sure your body has fully recovered. Osteopathic treatment postpartum is aimed at rechecking the pelvic balance and work with any muscle strains that may have occurred during childbirth. At a time where you do a lot of bending to change nappies for example, and lifting your baby whilst your pelvis and abdominal muscles may not have recovered yet. Osteopathic treatment could help you with the strains it is putting through your body.