During pregnancy hormonal changes mean that all your ligaments naturally become softer and stretch to enable your body to change shape. This allows you to accommodate your growing baby and prepares your body for giving birth. However, it can also leave you at a higher risk of injury, putting extra strain on your joints and muscles.
The most common pregnancy related problems seen by osteopaths are:
o Muscular back pain.
o SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) – pain or discomfort in the pelvis due to excessive movement of an important joint.
o Sciatica and leg pain.
o Rib and thoracic spinal problems leading to breathlessness and difficulty in deep breathing.
o Neck aches and headaches.
A few top tips to prevent problems arising:
o Take care when lifting or carrying things. This is especially important if you are already a mother. Although often difficult, try not to carry a small child on one hip for any length of time.
o When standing, vary your position regularly.
o Avoid sitting for prolonged periods, get up and move around. This will also help reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism.
o When sitting, adopt a posture that supports your back, thighs and feet. Use a cushion behind your low back for support and avoid crossing your legs.
o When lying on your side, you may find a pillow under your bump and another between your knees offers support.
Many of the most common painkillers such as non-steroidal drugs are not suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Osteopathy offers a safe approach to help you deal with your pain effectively.
Osteopaths spend four to five years training to understand the relationship between the body’s organs, joints and muscles. Given the unique stresses pregnancy puts upon the body, osteopaths are well suited to diagnosing and helping you with some of the problems you may experience when you are expecting.
If you have any questions or require any advice or further information please get in touch with Jen at Almscliffe Osteopathy.
Tel: 07764 946273
jen@almscliffeosteopathy.com