ACHES AND PAINS DURING PREGANCY
Article Written by Laura Tilson Osteopath
BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO runs a clinic at Nutley Lane Osteopaths in Reigate for pregnant women and post-partum mums.
While pregnancy can be a joy for many women, it is not without its challenges. There are a number of postural and hormonal changes which put a huge demand on your body. Your joints, muscles and ligaments all adapt as your body changes and your baby grows. For some this can be a difficult and painful time.
When faced with these challenges some areas of your body may be able to cope better than others. Studies have shown that as many as 50-82% of pregnant women suffer from low back pain for example.
What is important is that you don’t suffer in silence, support is out there.
Osteopathy has been shown to be an effective treatment for low back pain during pregnancy. Some women also find that osteopathic treatment can help relieve other common symptoms of pregnancy such as indigestion, constipation, reflux and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Interestingly there is also evidence that getting support for the challenges of pregnancy can help you during labour and delivery. One study in the US showed that women who had received osteopathic care during pregnancy also had improved outcomes in labour and delivery and fewer required a forceps or caesarean delivery.
Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO runs a clinic at Nutley Lane Osteopaths in Reigate for pregnant women and post-partum mums. She is specialised in paediatric and obstetric osteopathy. Please call 01737 224488 for more information.
Mantle MJ, Greenwood RM, Currey HCF. Backache in Pregnancy. Rheumatology and Rehabilitation. 1977; 16:95-101
Moore K, Dumas GA, Reid JG. Postural changes associated with pregnancy and their relationship to low back pain. Journal of Clinical Biomechanics. 1990; 5:169-174
King HH, Tettambel MA, Lockwood MD, Johnson KH, Arsenault A, Quist R. Osteopathic manipulative treatment in pre-natal care: a retrospective case control design study. JAOA. 2003;103(12):577-582
