Pregnancy is an amazing time of changes for the woman, physically, mentally and even emotionally. There are many rapid changes that occur within a women’s body as the baby grows. Due to the structural and hormonal changes that occur, the ligaments soften, the curvature of the spine changes, the weight of the baby moves the centre of gravity forward, and the normal mechanics within the body are disrupted. Osteopathic care focuses on ensuring the body is mobile to adopt the changes necessary to cope with the demands placed on the body. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help prevent problems from arising or alleviate problems already present or from pre-exisitng injuries.

Osteopathic treatments are excellent in preparing the body for pre-conception, to help lay the foundations for a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy by resolving any pre-existing injuries. During pregnancy, Osteopathic care can help the body adapt to the postural demands of the growing baby. By decreasing tension throughout the body and balancing the pelvis it allows the nervous and endocrine (hormone) systems to function at their best. By doing so, this encourages the body to be in the best possible position of alignment before giving birth. With pregnancy can also come feelings of stress and anxiety related to the physical and hormonal changes which Osteopathy can help to ease.

 Osteopathic post-natal care can also help the woman recover from the birth. Treatment is aimed at gently easing sore and tired muscles and rebalancing the pelvis and spine. Osteopathy can also help to relieve back, hip, neck and even shoulder or wrist pain from feeding the baby, including bottle and breastfeeding, and lifting and generally caring for the baby. Many new mothers bebefit from Osteopathic treatment after the birth in order to correct any possible imbalances or problems that may have resulted form the labour, including natural and caesarian. 

A. Leg cramps are most common in the second & third trimester and occur due to a few different factors.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluctuations in mineral & electrolyte levels, affecting muscle function.  Low levels of calcium, potassium & magnesium have been suggested to cause cramps, causing increased strain on the kidneys and circulatory system to keep the body functioning normally. This also affects how much nutrition & oxygen the muscles are receiving.

As the uterus expands and the body changes, there is increased pressure on the nerves that supply the leg muscles.  At this time the ligamentous support around the pelvis is also changing, increasing the work of those surrounding muscles.

As  a result of possible decrease in nutrition & increased work load, the muscles can go into cramp.  Your Osteopath can help with these symptoms by using massage techniques to directly improve muscle function & blood supply, by easing the tension & strain around the pelvis, thus opening the nerve pathways into the legs, and by treating other areas of the body that compensate during the changes of pregnancy to take the pressure off pelvic structures.

SEND A FRIEND PROMOTION

Starting this month Hampton St Osteopathy will reward any of their existing patients who refer a friend or family member to the clinic with a 30 MIN FREE MASSAGE VOUCHER. Take advantage of this great offer so those aching muscles can be attended to. Call 9533 5536 for any enquiries.