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Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery
How Pregnancy Affects the Body
Pregnancy places significant strain on the body, leading to changes in posture, increased joint laxity, and additional pressure on muscles and ligaments. The postpartum period also comes with recovery challenges, as the body gradually adapts after childbirth.
Common Pregnancy & Postpartum Concerns
- Lower back and pelvic pain
- Sciatica or hip discomfort
- Postural strain from feeding and carrying a baby
- Core weakness and pelvic floor dysfunction
- Wrist pain (mother’s wrist or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis)
- Neck and upper back tension due to breastfeeding posture
How Osteopathy Can Help
First Trimester – Weeks 1-12:
- Supporting early postural changes as the body begins adjusting to the growing uterus, reducing strain on the spine and lower back.
- Relieving fatigue by improving circulation, which helps to reduce the feeling of heaviness or tiredness.
- Reducing stress on the sacrum and pelvis helps with early pelvic instability or discomfort as the body starts preparing for the growing baby.
- Relieving headaches often caused by hormonal changes, stress and tension in the shoulders, head and neck.
Second Trimester – Weeks 13 – 26:
- Addressing lower back pain as the body adjusts to the growing uterus, redistributing weight and shifting posture.
- Relieving pelvic girdle pain and tension around the ligaments as they stretch to accommodate for the growing baby.
- Reducing sciatic nerve pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve from the enlarging uterus and changes in posture.
- Helping with rib pain as the ribs expand to make room for the growing baby, which can cause discomfort in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
- Supporting abdominal muscles and alleviating tension caused by the growing belly.
- Improving posture by educating women how to balance their body effectively as their centre of gravity continues to shift.
- Promoting health circulation to help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the legs and feet.
Third Trimester – Weeks 27 – 40
- Relieving pressure on the pelvis and sacrum - preparing the body for the growing baby and the upcoming labour.
- Reducing sciatic pain and lower back discomfort - from the baby’s weight pushing against the pelvis and spine.
- Addressing swollen feet and ankles - by improving lymphatic drainage and blood circulation.
- Alleviating tension in the shoulders and upper back - which is bearing the load of the growing baby and breasts.
- Help with rib and diaphragm decompression due to the expanding belly, making it easier to breathe and reducing tightness in the chest.
- Reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by decompressing the nerves in the forearm, hand and wrist that is often experienced during pregnancy.
- Relieving pelvic floor tension - which is crucial in preparing the body for labour and reducing the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction post birth.
- Supporting optimal fetal positioning by reducing tightness and tension in the pelvis and promoting better alignment.
- Preparing the body for labour - by gently releasing tension in the body, ensuring proper alignment and improving mobility in the pelvis and spine.
Through gentle hands-on techniques, osteopathy helps reduce pain, alleviate muscle tension and promotes overall relaxation for expecting mothers. This can make it easier for women to adapt to the physical demands of pregnancy.