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Osteopathy for pregnancy and Post Natal Mums
Pregnancy is an exciting time but it can also be challenging. It is a time when you are unable to take many medicines or pain killers and therefore a time when you may look for alternative methods of easing pain or discomfort. In the early stages tiredness, nausea and breathlessness might be an issue. The emotional effects of coming to terms with you new situation may also take its toll. Even the happiest mum-to-be might have periods of anxiety and stress which may affect her physically. Relaxation advice massage and breathing techniques may help you adapt to some of these changes. As your baby grows there are postural changes that occur very quickly and your body has to be able to adapt to these. Common problems that may be helped during this time include: postural head or neck pain, Shoulder stiffness, heartburn or indigestion, low back pain, pelvic pain or weakness, cramps in the legs. Towards the end of pregnancy hormonal changes take place that begin to soften the tough ligaments of the pelvis. This helps the pelvis expand to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. However this softening can lead to sacro iliac (pelvic joint) pain or pubic symphysis pain (pubalgia). This can be distressing as it can limit your mobility. Osteopathic massage and joint work can help, alongside exercises, and if necessary a maternity support belt may be advised to provide extra stability. Acupuncture and Massage can also be very useful for pregnant women. Case Study- pregnant with pubic painA second time mum attended the clinic when 20 weeks pregnant. She was beginning to suffer from pubic pain that had troubled her in the last few weeks of her first pregnancy. She was concerned that it was so painful and had started so much earlier. We treated her with osteopathic techniques that can relieve pubic pain and gave her guidance on pelvic floor exercises and a maternity support belt. These actions allowed her to remain more mobile for the second half of her pregnancy and she went on to deliver a healthy baby boy.
Top tips for pregnant mums.Keep active: Try to be as active as you can. Walking, stretching, yoga and swimming are great forms of exercise to keep up your fitness levels and prepare you body for the challenges ahead.Breathe: Get in tune now with your breathing. Slow and deep breathing on a regular basis can help relax and calm you, and is good practice for during labour. Update and check your bra fittings on a regular basis. Ill fitting bras may lead to upper back pain or breast compression which towards the end of pregnancy could contribute to mastitis. Try not to let yourself sit in a slumped position. Sit upright with your low back supported by a cushion to avoid low back and pelvic pain. Stretch as often as you can, calf stretch’s can boost your circulation and help you avoid cramp, low back and buttock muscle stretches can relieve tension and pain. After your baby is born.As your child grows try not to get into the habit of feeding them or carrying them on just one side. This will lead to lop sided postural changes. Consider trying a baby hip carrier, it can distribute the stresses of carrying your child across your pelvis .If you have aches and pains after the baby is born get checked out by your osteopath. Many mums put themselves last and put up with pain after childbirth. Do not wait until your child is off to university before you get around to sorting out your post pregnancy problems! |