Pregnancy is clearly one of the most remarkable things that the human body can do. However, it is also one of the most physically demanding things. From the first trimester right through to the weeks and months after birth, the body constantly shifts and adapts.
For many mothers, this brings discomfort: one that’s brushed off as a part of the process, but in reality, it doesn’t have to be so. Whether you are dealing with back pain, pelvic aches, or the exhaustion of recovering after birth, an osteopath in Plumstead can help.
What Does Your Body Go Through During Pregnancy?
From the moment pregnancy starts, the body begins making room. Your posture changes, the centre of gravity shifts forward, and the pelvis widens. While all this is quite natural, it puts pressure on the spine, hips, and the surrounding muscles. This is the reason that by the third trimester, many women find themselves dealing with lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and rib discomfort.
Osteopathy follows a whole-body approach. Rather than targeting a single area in isolation, an osteopath looks at how the entire body functions, where tension is building up, and how pregnancy might be putting strain in different places.
Treatment typically includes soft tissue work, gentle joint mobilisation, and careful stretching. The goal is to help your body cope more comfortably with everything without doing anything too harsh.
The Postnatal Period is Always Important
People usually have a tendency to focus all the attention on pregnancy and birth, rather than on what comes after. Yet, during the postnatal period, the body does something equally extraordinary: recovering from a vaginal birth or major abdominal surgery. This is also the time when women experience hormonal shifts, all while carrying, feeding, and holding a newborn for hours each day.
Postnatal back pain is quite common in women. This is noticed particularly in the upper back and neck. In fact, pelvic floor recovery and the lingering effects of pelvic girdle pain can also persist for quite a few weeks. An osteopath in Plumstead works with new mothers to address these issues and aid in the body’s natural recovery.
How Osteopathy Helps at Each Stage
The way osteopathy supports mothers/ pregnant women isn’t the same at every stage, and that is exactly what makes it such a viable option. During pregnancy, the focus is on relieving pressure, improving mobility, and helping the body with the changing shape. Closer to the due date, osteopaths work on optimising pelvic alignment for a more straightforward labour.
Once the baby is born, the treatment/ approach shifts toward recovery: addressing areas of tension or restriction and helping new mothers manage physical strain. An osteopath in Plumstead with experience in maternal care tailors each session entirely to where you are in your journey.
Key Takeaway
Pregnancy and motherhood offer immense joy, but come with their share of physical challenges. Luckily, osteopathy offers a safe and genuinely effective way of supporting your body through both, without any invasive procedures.
At Greenwich Osteopaths, we offer a full range of osteopathic treatments. We have worked with patients ranging from newborns to those well into their hundreds, from all walks of life. Plus, we understand that no two mothers, pregnancies, or recoveries are the same. Ready to give your body the care it needs? Book your consultation now.