Supporting Optimal Health with Osteopathy: In Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Physical changes in pregnancy

During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes some dramatic physical changes to accommodate a developing foetus. However, these natural physical changes in pregnancy are not always comfortable. The growing belly and additional weight that pregnancy brings shifts your centre of gravity and causes the spinal curves to change, which may cause some of the discomfort.

Additionally, hormonal changes cause ligament and joint laxity which may cause strain to muscles, joints, the spine and the pelvis. Some of the common discomforts that may be experienced during pregnancy include:

• Low back pain and sciatica

• Pelvic pain

• Shoulder pain

• Upper back pain

• Swelling

• Insomnia

• High blood pressure

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

Physical changes post-natally

After birthing, a mother’s body which has just been through a major change (nine months of pregnancy and then birth), is required to adjust to a whole new life and new activities. A number of demands are placed on the mother’s body:

Firstly there is the need for the body to heal from the birth. Whether it was a natural birth or an atypical birth with medical interventions such as ventouse/vacuum, forceps, episiotomy, or a caesarean section, a great amount of healing is required.