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Pregnancy is perhaps the greatest opportunity
in the life of mother and child in which to attempt
to prevent future health problems.
Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to
health care and osteopaths are skilled at examining
the structure and function of the body, which
can enable them to discover the cause, and treat
many of the typical problems of pregnancy.
For over a century, osteopaths around the world
have been caring for women during what is arguably
the most important time of the life.
By treating infants, children and mothers, osteopaths
became aware of the need for care during the pregnancy
as a means of trying to prevent some of the numerous
problems that arise as a result of a less than
perfect birth.
Whilst treating pregnant mothers for back pain
and other problems it became clear that many of
the ‘symptoms of pregnancy’ were an
indication that the mother was having some problems
adapting to the inevitable changes in the posture,
and the huge extra demand place upon her by her
growing baby.
Left untreated, these mechanical problems seemed
to impede a smooth delivery and by gently removing
them where possible, osteopaths, midwives and
obstetricians alike have been amazed at the result.
How can Osteopathy help prepare me for
the birth?
During the birth process, the joints of the low
back and pelvis are required to undergo some extremes
of movement. For many women these movements have
become difficult due to poor posture or restrictions
within the joints.
The hormones of pregnancy help to prepare these
joints by softening the ligaments, but often one
or more of the joints is found to be restricted
in mobility, even without any symptoms to highlight
the problem.
By working gently to release any of these restrictions
to movement in the joints, an osteopath can try
to prevent some of the impediments to the baby’s
progress through the pelvis.
Just as important though, are the soft tissues.
The muscles of the pelvic floor have to undergo
enormous stretch, and any abnormal tensions in
these muscles, whether from previous deliveries
of just the result of poor posture etc, must be
released to help reduce possible further damage.
The pelvic floor muscles are not the only muscles
that are important to have functioning correctly
for the birth.
The diaphragm is a large muscle used in breathing,
and is commonly held in tension due to the stress
of life! This muscle however plays a vital role
when it comes to pushing, and has an important
relationship with two other large muscles on the
front of the spine, which help guide the baby
into the correct position for birth.
By using gentle stretching and relaxing techniques
to the muscles and other soft tissues involved
in labour, osteopaths can help prepare the body,
hopefully smoothing the passage for mother and
baby, and promoting speedier recovery afterwards.
Muscles play a large part in the whole birth
process, not only in the last stages. By working
on the strength and by stretching some postural
muscles, osteopaths can try to help to give the
mother more stamina and flexibility.
Why should I see an osteopath?
In an ideal world, birth would be easy and trouble
free for mother and baby but this is not an ideal
world. Much of the stress of life leaves its mark
on our bodies, our posture is far from how it
should be and the plague of the West... the chair,
has changed the function of all our spines and
pelvic joints.
Often unknown to us, our bodies are having to
cope with minor restrictions to normal, smooth
function, and usually we do manage quite well.
During a pregnancy however, our bodies are subjected
to enormous change, which highlights even the
slightest mechanical problem.
The first sign of this may well be pain or other
symptoms during the pregnancy, but it may not
even be until the birth itself that some problems
come to light.
Through an in depth understanding of anatomy
and physiology, and by studying the process of
birth in detail, osteopaths have developed a gentle
way of working with the body to try to highlight
any problems early on, and work to prepare the
body of the mother for the great day.
Osteopaths are always happy to give some advice
on various aspects of pregnancy and childbirth,
but see themselves as part of a wider health care
team. There is a growing relationship between
osteopaths, midwives and obstetricians, and osteopaths
will always refer if the problem is something
needing medical attention.
Aftercare
After the baby is born it is important for both
mother and child to be checked to be sure that
no abnormal tensions have been created by the
birth, and to make sure that all is returning
to normal.
By simple osteopathic care a t this stage, it
is possible to try to treat and prevent problems
of incontinence, low back pain, pain on intercourse
and many other problems.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role for both parties,
and osteopaths are often able to help with some
of the difficulties encountered.
If you have other questions that we have not
answered here, don't hesitate to contact
us!.
Further Information
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