Hormonal changes and foetal development cause the pelvis and sacroiliac joints to widen in preparation for birth.
This can lead to changes in your gait (the way you walk) as well as hip or lower back pain. The stretching of your diaphragm and lower ribs can also result in thoracic pain and/or reflux.
Some women suffer from significant pelvic pain during pregnancy. This is caused by pubic symphysis diastasis, an abnormal widening of the pubic symphysis joint located at the front of your pelvis.
An osteopathic treatment aims to release any dysfunction found in the pelvic, hip, thoracic and lumbar regions.
Treatment is “hands on”, and may include stretching, massage and gentle joint articulation. An osteopath is also able to provide you with a sacroiliac or pelvic brace that may help to manage your symptoms.
In addition to treatment, the osteopath will give you exercise and lifestyle advice. This will help you to manage your symptoms between treatments and can prepare you for the birthing and postnatal stages of your journey.
Neck and upper back discomfort, as well as weakness in the pelvic floor muscles are common concerns among new mothers. The osteopath is able to assess your breast-feeding posture, prescribe pelvic floor exercises and treat those muscular aches and pains so that you can be at your best.