During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a massive, momentous experience. During this time the body experiences enormous changes. Not only the the increases in weight from the baby, placenta and waters but also from the hormonal changes e.g. the increases in elasticity of the ligaments throughout the body. As a result of this the body is more susceptible to mechanical imbalances occurring and as a result these can lead to discomfort and pain.

Some of the problems Osteopathy can help with.

Heartburn, as the uterus expand with the baby inside this increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity putting more upward pressure on the diaphragm, this can lead to distortion of the diaphragm, which in turn puts pressure on the oesophagus and stomach leading to an increase in likelihood of heartburn. Osteopathic treatment can help to take out any stresses and strains within the diaphragm and associated tissues which will help to relieve the heartburn.

Low back, neck, shoulder, wrist and leg pain, are all common symptoms throughout pregnancy. As the body accommodates and changes to the added weight and size its posture may change leading to imbalances in the mechanics of the body. Osteopathy can help in accommodating the body to these changes and rebalancing the body so as to decrease the pain felt.

An important part of preparation for labour is to ensure that the mother's pelvis is structurally balanced to allow easier passage of the baby down the birth canal. Osteopathy can help with this thus increasing the chances of  n easy and uncomplicated labour. Osteopathy can also advise the mother on the best positions in labour. After delivery it is advised that both the mother and child return for a check up and advice.

Tips during pregnancy

Look after your back during pregnancy, due to the softening of the ligaments during pregnancy the back is a lot more mobile and consequently more vulnerable to any stresses and strains you may put it through. Therefore think carefully about how you lift, try to bend your knees when lifting and try not to lift and twist at the same time.

When standing for a while tuck your bottom in to reduce the pressure on the lower spine.

When sitting down place a small cushion in your back for added support and try to avoid crossing your legs, if you find this hard to do try crossing your ankles as this puts less strain on then crossing your legs completely. This is good advice for everybody.

When lying down, if you lie on your side place a pillow under your bump and between your knees, this decreases strain on your pelvis. If you lie on your back place pillow s under your knees to keep them bent.

Make sure that all the equipment you use is on the correct level for you. A tip when buying a pram is note if the pram in the shop is raised up. Parents frequently test a pram  in a shop thinking it is the right level for them until they get it home and then realise it had been raised up in the shop.

To encourage the baby to lie correctly

As labour is likely to be more difficult if the baby is not lying correctly it is worth trying to get the baby to move to a better position. The ideal position is with the head downwards facing backwards with his spine curled in the same direction as his mothers spine.

Try to keep as active as possible during pregnancy

Wall tall pushing your head up as if suspended by a string and do not all your lower back to slump into a hollow position.

Sitting in soft chairs encourages the baby to slip into the back to back position, to discourage this try to sit with your bottom into the back of the chair with the lower back supported. The best way is actualy to sit on a foam wedge or on a seat that tilts forwards, this actively encourages the baby to lie correctly

If your baby is lying in a breech position or back to back position try spending some time each day in the all fours position as this can sometimes help it to turn.

Is Osteopathy safe during pregnancy?

Osteopaths are highly skilled practitioners with a minimum of four years training. Gentle osteopathic techniques are very beneficial and perfectly safe in all stages of pregnancy.

 

Babies

Birth is one of the most stressful events in our lives with the baby being subjected to enormous pressures from the contracting uterus and the confines of the bony pelvis. The small amounts of movement that exist in the infant skull between the bones allow the soft bones of the head to overlap, bend and warp as the babies head descends thereby allowing the babies head to adapt to the forces of labour. However when labour is too long or to fast or their are problems during labour, e.g. forceps or ventouse are used then these bones may not fully recover their original positions this may mean that this leads to subtle changes in function, which can in turn lead to problems such as disturbed  sleeping patterns, excessive crying, colic and feeding difficulties. In toddlers if the functional problems have not been resolved this may expressive itself in poor concentration, aggressive behavior and head banging.

If the patterns continue to emerge the children may emerge with one or more problems, these may be recurrent infections, glue ear, sinus and dental problems e.g. persistent mouth breathers, behavioral difficulties and learning difficulties, headaches and asthma.

Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is a very safe effective treatment for babies and children. Gentle pressure is applied to draw attention to the body where the problem lies this then allows the body to correct the problem. Due to the fact that although the practitioner is doing the treatment it is actually the child's energy which is creating the change, children will often feel tired after a treatment and want to sleep, occasionally some will get irritable but this generally only lasts for 24 hours

Chidren

In Children if the functional problems have not been resolved from the birth, this may expressive itself in poor concentration, aggressive behaviour and headaches. Children are also susceptible to a variety of problems ranging from the carrying of heavy bags to and from school causing postural difficulties, to excessive desk work at school and on computers, to bad posture. All of these can lead to low back pain, neck pain, headaches etc. While many of them can be resolves using Osteopathy.`