Osteopathy and Mothers-to-be

“While the Royal College of Midwives has just end its 12-years campaign against caesarians, epidurals, inductions and uses of instruments, we thought it was a good opportunity to recall the role of osteopathy to accompany the mother-to-be though pregnancy and prepare her for birth.

Every pregnancy, every birth is different. Every woman has her own story regarding maternity and will make her own choices. There is no right or wrong. Osteopathy can help the mother-to-be and her baby through this wonderful journey in many different ways.

During the pregnancy, the physiology of the body is changing massivly. The osteopath can help the future mother to adapt to these changes. 

Mechanical changes 

The body keeps changing throught the pregnancy. As it adapts to the increased maternal and foetus weight, the center of gravity changes constantly. This result in a change in posture that is progressive.The muscles will have to work harder to maintain stability. This can impose physical strains on tissues and organs. The osteopath can help with postural adaptation by releasing the tensions and compensations. For example, the weight of the foetus is taken by the pelvis and its muscles around, this can create tension around the lower back, coccyx, pubis, sacroiliac etc. A good posture will also allow optimal position of the baby which can for exemple decrease likelyhood of breach baby. 

At the end of the pregnancy, the mobility of the pelvis is very important to allow the descend of the baby along the sacrum. Any muscular or ligamentous tension there may create restriction that might cause the birth to be more difficult. Studies have showen that by preparing the pelvic floor for birth, the osteopath helps to reduce likelyhood of tears, episiotomy, labeur trauma's, the needs for instruments assisted delivery (ventouse or forceps) and Caesariean sections.

Balancing the mechanics 

Cardio-vascular changes 

During pregnancy, the blood volume increase by as much as 40% or more. This means the circulatory demand on the heart and on the lungs is increased. This might all give rise to increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, tiredness, dizziness and sometimes malaise. Treatment on the diaphragm, ribs, chest, etc. will help to normalise the circulation and decrease venous congestion. Venous congestion in legs and pelvis are the result of hormonal changes and the weight of the baby impiding on blood return.

While treating, we consider the link between mother and baby. This link expresses on different level, such as electromagnetical rythm, baby genes being passed onto maternal blood, etc.  

Respiratory changes 

The influence of the enlarging uterus will have an effect on chest cavity and the free movement of the diaphragm. The lungs will have to adapt this by expanding laterally. The woman might experience breathlessness, short of breath, etc. Osteopathy will help flexibility of the diaphragm, rib cage and thoracic spine to allow the lungs to expand freely. 

Digestive system changes 

Nausea is quite common during the first trimester of pregnancy. The cause is not well establiched yet. Later in pregnancy, the woman might experience reflux as the uterus enlarged and pushes on the stomach. Peristalsis ( bowel motility / movement ) slow down under the effects of hormones. All those inconfort have shown to be decreased with osteopathic treatment. 

Hormonal changes 

The hormone relaxin is secreted thourgout the pregnancy and allow the muscle and ligaments to lengten and be more flexible to increase the mobility of the pelvis, lower back and hips in preparation for birth. If there is tension in and these area, it might create aches and pain. The higher level of progesterone probably contribute to water retention. 

Emotionnal changes 

Another very important point is that pregnancy brings all sort of emotions to the mother-to-be. The osteopath can offer support by listening and by recommanding birth specialists, such as midwives, obstetricians, physiotherapists, hypnobirthing, Doulas, lactation consultants, herbalists and acupuncturists. It will help her to become more mentally and emotionnaly prepared for birth. 

Treatment in pregnancy is very gentle to respect the physiology that keeps adapting. 

The aim is to accompany you throughout all the changes happening in pregnancy while treating you as a whole, considering mind, body and spirit. We ensure there are no physical barriers to the healthy flow of fluids, energy and emotions”.  

June 2017