Changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous physical, chemical and emotional changes which take place over a relatively short period of time to accommodate the growing foetus. Apart from the obvious physical changes like expansion of the abdominal region which can impose great physical strain on the organs, tissues, joints and ligaments of the body., hormonal releases can also affect the function of your body’s internal systems.

As the pregnancy progresses, the extra weight creates a shift in your body’s centre of gravity. Your supporting ligaments also soften. The body of a pregnant lady has to adapt to all these changes finding new ways to walk, sit and sleep which result in new aches and pains.

Osteopathic treatment while pregnant can ease some of the symptoms typically associated with pregnancy including:

• Aches and pains (back pain, neck and shoulder pain, muscular tension)
• Groin, lower abdominal pain or pubic symphysis pain
• Sciatica
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• shortness of breath
• insomnia
• fatigue
• high blood pressure
• Numbness and tingling in the hands
• aching legs or feet
• swelling

An osteopath can offer advice about managing these symptoms and demonstrate self-help techniques which you and your partner can use to maintain your health and wellbeing throughout your pregnancy and labour.