Mother and Baby

We have many options to help you through this time of change. Many women feel it safest to not have any treatments in the first trimester while the pregnancy is taking hold. Our advice would be on an individual basis and if you already have a relationship with a practitioner, this would be something for you to discuss with them. There are options though and suffering at any point during your pregnancy may not be necessary.

Many times pregnant mums come to us after the first trimester presenting with lower back pain, aching legs and feet and a sense of discomfort. Other complaints often include morning sickness, water retention, constipation, headaches or dizziness.

Treatment options – how can we help you?

An holistic approach can be extremely powerful in connecting with the body’s own ability to relieve imbalances, tensions or areas of stress. Whether you choose massage, acupuncture, reflexology or osteopathy, our practitioners can help you prepare for the many changes ahead.

Areas where we may be able to support you are.

  • Easing the postural changes that give physical discomfort in pregnancy
  • Helping with the emotional rollercoster of pregnancy
  • Preparing for labour
  • Easing the physical strains of giving birth and helping with recovery

Regular treatments throughout your pregnancy may help you adapt to your changing posture as a result of the growing uterus. Building a relationship with a therapist who can take you through your 9 months, getting to know your body and how it is changing can be a massive support. Massage or reflexology can help to keep you in your body, allowing your mind the down time it needs.

Aches & Pains

Back pain, sciatica, headaches and fatigue are all common indications that the body is struggling to adapt to the changes in posture necessary in pregnancy.
Digestive problems – Your expanding stomach and changes in posture can result in muscular tension around the diaphragm. This can contribute to digestive issues such as nausea, indigestion or heartburn.

Symphysis Pubis Diastasis – (SPD) – A common complaint, is the name for the pain in the front of the pelvis, resulting from the ligaments of the pelvis softening and becoming strained as your baby is growing.

Breathlessness –

With your advancing pregnancy, the enlarging uterus rises in the abdomen and the lower ribs open to create more space. This changes the action of the diaphragm and may lower avaliable lung capacity, causing breathlessness.

Reduced space for abdominal and pelvic organs – Not only is your chest area squeezed the growing uterus takes it toll on the lower abdomen too. The bladder and bowels get moved aside to help create space. This may result in a variety of symptoms related to these organs.

After the birth – During labour the pelvic ligaments stretch to allow the pelvis to open. After birth, these ligaments should tighten and return to normal length, some distortions from giving birth may remain, disturbing the normal function of the pelvis and spine. Gentle treatments may be very beneficial at this stage.

Delivery stresses can place continued stress on the body resulting in aches or pains anywhere including the back, neck, shoulders, legs or pelvic organs. We would recommend that all mothers have a postnatal checkup following delivery. Realigning the pelvis after childbirth is a priority and can be straightforward when treated in the first few weeks. Now is a great time for mother and baby to see a cranial osteopath or craniosacral practitioner.

As your body mends and the demands of motherhood become a reality, exercise and being strong become an integral need. If you are concerned about pelvic floor health, an issue for all women, we have a few options, Shine hosts Pelvic Floor training courses that run over four weeks, you will gain an intimate knowledge of how this area works and how you can help to rebuild strength and function.

If you are concerned about damage or wondering what may be right for you, speaking with one of our physiotherapists may help.