The Osteopathic model focuses on treating a person as a whole, with a large portion of training based on biomechanics and the relationships between different structures (organs, joints, muscles, connective tissues, blood, and lymphatics). Pregnancy is a whole-body experience, making it particularly suited to Osteopathic treatment.
Back or pelvic pain in pregnancy is reported in up to 75% of people. While some may consider this normal, osteopaths do not. Many consultant obstetricians we have spoken to and regularly refer patients to us have recognised the benefit of sending people early in their pregnancy for osteopathic assessment. This can help you avoid many strain patterns and pain you may experience during pregnancy. Osteopaths do this through careful treatment, advice and specific exercises.
Depending on the severity and prognosis of the problem, the osteopath may advise a course of treatment, particularly in pregnancy, where the stresses on the body are likely to increase as the baby grows and gets heavier. However, some problems can be resolved in one or two sessions.
Treatment in pregnancy is often very gentle, especially in the early stages, around 12-16 weeks, when spontaneous miscarriage is most likely. Even though there is no danger of miscarriage associated with any form of osteopathic treatment, manipulation or clicking of joints is generally avoided during this time, not least to allay any fears the patient may have.
Instead, the osteopath may use various techniques, including cranial osteopathy, which is very gentle but can profoundly help the body resolve tensions on a deep level. It is suitable for all stages of pregnancy and for treating newborns and children.
Osteopaths consider their role complementary to that of your midwife or doula and obstetrician. They will, where necessary, discuss their findings and treatment plans with your medical team to help you manage the pregnancy and delivery appropriately and with as little intervention as possible.
