Osteopaths treat the person, not the condition. This is no different in pregnancy, when the body is under new mechanical strains. Although there are some common patterns, we all react differently. Your osteopath’s job is to work out exactly how your body is compensating, and help it do so more efficiently.

Lower Back Pain in Pregnancy

Lower back pain is one of the most well known ailments of pregnancy. There are a handful of reasons for this:

• hormonal changes causing laxity in pelvic ligaments

• shift in centre of gravity

• changes in posture and gait

Although your osteopath can't do anything to change the hormones, we can help with the symptoms. Our main goal is to help your body adapt to pregnancy. In order to improve your adaptability, we might be looking for other areas that could be working better. We might also work locally on the muscles and joints, or prescribe exercises to strengthen and support.

The ligamentous laxity mentioned above can affect joints anywhere in the body, but it is focused to the pelvis. Increased movement in the pelvic joints puts strain on the pubic symphysis: the large joint at the front of the pelvis. This can cause SPD: symphysis pubis dysfunction. These hormones also cause water retention, which in turn can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Your osteopath can offer advice for managing your carpal tunnel syndrome, and you may find some benefit from hands on treatment.

Although we expect most, if not all, of these new symptoms to resolve at the end of pregnancy, you don’t need to suffer in the meantime! Untreated SPD can limit your birthing options, so early management is vital.

Sciatica

Associated with lower back pain is sciatica. As always, there could be a few causes for this. In pregnancy we expect there to at least be an element of postural change. This increased arching back could cause irritation through compression at the back of the spine. Alternatively, the tightening of muscles in the hamstrings, buttocks, and lower back could be a direct cause of sciatica. If the deep piriformis muscle in the buttock becomes tight, you might develop Piriformis Syndrome.

Fourth Trimester

Once baby arrives, your body goes through another, even more sudden shift. Lower back pain might resolve at birth, or it might develop due to holding baby awkwardly. Whether you bottle or breast feed, there can be new strains associated with this too, especially when feeding transitions straight into a nap.

We recommend a check up for mum once everything settles. It's not at all uncommon to develop at least some tightness in the neck, upper back, and shoulders when you have a new baby. The key is to keep on top of it. Your osteopath may also be able to offer some advice for preventing these tensions in the first place.

Book an appointment online today if pregnancy is causing you any of the above symptoms.