During nine months of pregnancy, the female body undergoes several structural and physiological changes and this can lead to compensatory patterns in movement with the potential to cause restriction and pain. As Osteopaths we are trained to assist you in your overall movement and well-being.

The most common body adaptions that we see include,

• Exaggerated spinal curves with changes in pelvic tilt, causing some muscles to be ‘tight’ and weak, contributing to:
  • Headaches
  • Muscle pains
  • Lower back pain
  • Posterior pelvic pain
  • Plantar fasciitis

• The presence of the hormone relaxin, and an increase in progesterone causing an increase in ligament laxity presenting as:
  • Posterior pelvic pain or instability
  • General spinal pain
  • Muscle spasm

• An increase in body weight due to the growing foetus and an increase in blood volume, adding further strain to the joints and connective tissue

• Interstitial fluid retention impacting lymphatic flow, causing:
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Peripheral oedema/swelling in legs and/or arms

• An increase in baby size (especially in the third trimester), causing:
  • Reflux (heartburn)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Intercostal neuralgia (pain around the ribs)

At CSSM, we ensure a careful selection of hands-on techniques to best suit your condition, as well as your stage of pregnancy for safe and effective management. This may involve soft tissue massage, joint articulation and stretching in order to address affected areas. Spinal manipulation can be utilised if your practitioner deems it safe and appropriate for your condition. Your Osteopath will then take time to educate you on ways to manage your pain for the remainder of the pregnancy and also following delivery when your newborn arrives.

Osteopaths are Government registered allied health practitioners with five years of university education behind them studying anatomy, pathology, physiology, pharmacology and clinical application. If you want to find out how an Osteopath can make your pregnancy more comfortable, make an appointment at cssm.com.au.

Caroline Sanguinetti is an Osteopath who specilaises in pregnancy care.