The process of pregnancy and labour place large demands on the mother’s body as it undergoes change to accommodate the growing foetus.
As the body grows the uterus takes up ever more space in the abdominal cavity often resulting in feelings of breathlessness and heartburn. The supporting ligaments soften and the shift in the mother’s centre of gravity can cause problems such as low and mid back pain, leg and pelvic discomfort, insomnia, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue.
The body must also deal with the massive hormonal fluctuations during the first few months of pregnancy as the embryo develops.
Pregnancy Osteopathy Essendon
At Radius osteopathic we treat pregnant women using a combination of structural and cranial osteopathy. We aim to help the mother deal with the physical changes that are happening to her body and effecting her spinal biomechanics. Cranial osteopathic treatment looks at reducing postural strains in the musculoskeletal system by decreasing tension in the pelvic floor, diaphragm and elsewhere in the body.
Birth Process
Although natural, the birth process can be a physically and emotionally stressful event for the mother and baby. The descent of the baby through the birth canal requires the mother’s pelvis to be mobile and adaptable. We aim to assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth, therefore, maximising your body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with a minimum of pain and discomfort.
Post birth
Osteopathic treatment can assist with ongoing complaints post birth such as;
- pelvic instability
- lower back pain
- pelvic floor weakness
- incontinence
- interrupted sleep
- fatigue
- ongoing swelling
Osteopaths with a focus in paediatrics can assist your newborn baby to adapt to growth-related changes and assist in post-birth recovery. Read more about Paediatric Osteopathy