Osteopathy has a lot to contribute to many aspects of women’s health.

• metabolism (fluid retention, circulation)
• ovaries (generate eggs, secrete hormones)
• uterus (lining grows and is shed if not pregnant)

Hormonal balance is crucial. Cranial and structural strains can affect the pituitary which regulates hormone production, affecting the quality of menstrual periods and sometimes emotional swings. Restricted motion of the sacrum and pelvis may interfere with nerve impulses and local circulation and cause uterine muscle cramps and pelvic pain.

Pelvic circulation affected by restricted motion of the sacrum and pelvis. Pelvic pain can have structural ,connective tissue strain or vascular causes. Structural strength and flexibility is also very important.

Conception

When conception is affected by spinal or cranial restrictions, osteopathy can help. For this condition, osteopaths prefer to work with other professionals for your total health management. Good nutrition, reducing stress levels, regular exercise and supplements as suggested by your health professional should make a difference.

Pregnancy Care

Osteopathy Pregnancy and Post-Natal Care

Your osteopath can help prevent or manage a wide range of pre-and post-natal conditions, either solely or in conjunction with other health care practitioners.

Osteopathy During Pregnancy

Osteopathy is an extremely safe method of manual medicine which treats the whole person. Osteopathy is proven to be a safe, gentle and effective therapy for mothers and babies. Your osteopath will carefully select the most appropriate treatment techniques to assure the safety and comfort of you and your growing baby.

Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous change to accommodate the growing foetus. Apart from the obvious physical changes like expansion of the abdominal region, hormonal releases can affect the function of your body’s internal systems.

As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight creates a shift in your body’s centre of gravity. Your supporting ligaments also soften.

These factors can add stress to your body causing problems like back pain, sciatica, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue. Your osteopath can offer advice about managing these symptoms and demonstrate self-help techniques which you and your partner can use during pregnancy and labour.

Your osteopath’s aim is to assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth-maximising your body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with a minimum of pain and discomfort.

Birthing and Beyond

In birthing, the descent of the baby through the pelvis is influenced by a range of factors. If the mother’s pelvis is twisted or stiff, it can interfere with the baby’s passage through the birth canal. Osteopathic care will restore and maintain normal pelvic alignment and mobility, and contribute to a successful birth and healthy baby.

After birth, your osteopath will advise you to make return visits with your newborn to help prevent or manage problems like pelvic and low back strain, pelvic floor weakness, mastitis, incontinence, interrupted sleep, fatigue and depression. This will help you meet your baby’s needs, whilst caring for your own.

Carrying

Loading mainly one side of your body will cause muscles to tighten unevenly. Don’t carry heavy bags on one shoulder; use alternate shoulders. Carry an extra bag for unexpected extras (don’t load up the one shoulder) or use a backpack style bag.

Try to carry children without favouring one side or. use a pouch-style carrier for babies.Lifting

Everyone should ask for help when needed, use your knees, and hold things as close as possible to your body.

Wearing High Heels

Wearing shoes with heels throws the body forward. To balance yourself, you have to tighten your calves, hip flexors,low back and neck. To prevent injury, stretch to relieve tight muscles, don't wear shoes with the same heel height every day, and do yoga for all-over flexibility

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