Pregnancy Related Pain

Women go through some really significant changes throughout pregnancy, and this can bring about a number of unique problems.

The Problem

As your baby grows and your body physically changes, so does your nervous and immune systems. These changes commonly compound to produce pain and dysfunction.

Physically your weight, centre of gravity and posture will change. This can be particularly problematic if you lack the flexibility or mobility to accommodate the shift in postural positioning or lack the strength and condition to carry the increased loads.

You may experience one or more of the following:

  • Low back pain and/or sciatica
  • Pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
  • Sacroiliac joint pain, (SIJP)
  • Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
  • Upper back and/or neck pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

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Who it affects

Women through all stages of pregnancy and post-natal.  These conditions affect many women who are pregnant and can continue post-birth regardless of how the child was delivered.

These sorts of problems are more likely to affect those who have had previous pain or injury or those with other health conditions, but they can occur in any pregnant woman.

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What we do about it

Overall a tailored treatment and exercise plan can help maintain body balance and decrease the physical and systemic stress of pregnancy and labour. It can also build a good foundation for optimal post birth recovery.

We aim to support your body to adapt well through this intense period of change.

Osteopathy – can help support healthy physical adaption of your body during pregnancy. Soft tissue, nerve mobilisation and joint articulation techniques are all gentle ways of reducing pain in pregnancy. Osteopaths can also use taping and bracing techniques to provide you with extra stability and support when needed.

Exercise physiology or clinical exercise – has many well-established benefits for pregnant women, among them is that appropriate exercise can help support and strengthen your back and pelvis, which may limit pain in pregnancy. Exercise will also help you manage or reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and reduce the risk of your bub developing diabetes or obesity… bonus!

Massage– gentle soft tissue work and stretching can be beneficial also. A good massage in pregnancy can help improve movement, decrease pain and relax all those tight, tense muscles. The right sort of massage can also help move fluid and decrease symptoms of nerve irritability associated with fluid retention.

Want to know more?

You can learn more about the MOH approach to pregnancy related problems by checking out these blogs;

Want to book an appointment?

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our Osteopaths, click here.

If you can’t find a time that’s convenient just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you.

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