By Casey Liddington
NZ Registered Osteopath
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also brings many physical and emotional changes that can cause discomfort.
Osteopathy offers a gentle, holistic approach to help support your body throughout pregnancy, easing aches and pains while promoting overall well-being.
How Does Pregnancy Affect the Body?
As your baby grows, your body undergoes significant changes:
Postural Shifts: The growing bump can lead to an arched lower back and rounded shoulders.
Hormonal Changes: A hormone called relaxin softens ligaments, making joints more flexible but less stable.
Increased Pressure: Extra weight puts stress on the spine, pelvis, and hips.
Circulation Changes: Swelling in the hands, feet, and legs due to fluid retention.
These changes can result in common pregnancy-related issues, including:
Back and pelvic pain
Sciatica
Neck and shoulder tension
Hip discomfort
Headaches
Swelling in the limbs
How Can Osteopathy Help During Pregnancy?
Osteopathic treatment uses gentle, hands-on techniques to support the body’s natural ability to adapt and heal. Here’s how it can help:
Relieves Aches & Pains: Soft tissue massage and joint mobilization ease muscle tension and joint strain.
Supports Pelvic Alignment: Ensuring the pelvis is balanced can help prepare for a smoother labor.
Improves Circulation: Techniques that support better blood and lymph flow help reduce swelling.
Eases Breathing & Digestion: Gentle work around the rib cage and diaphragm improves breathing and relieves indigestion.
Promotes Relaxation: Treatment helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and improving sleep.
Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! Osteopathic care during pregnancy is safe and tailored to your body’s needs. Techniques are gentle and adapted for each stage of pregnancy, ensuring both mum and baby are comfortable.
Postpartum Osteopathy: Healing After Birth
Osteopathy can also support recovery after childbirth. It helps with:
Realigning the pelvis and spine
Easing post-labor back and neck pain
Supporting healing from C-sections or tears
Managing whole body tension or pain from feeding or carrying your baby
If you would like to book in for Osteopathy treatment during your Pregnancy with Casey in Christchurch, you can find her working at Fine Tune Allied Healthcare
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