Osteopathy and pregnancy

During the first trimester
Osteopathic care helps optimise autonomic regulation and can thus act on the nausea, vomiting, bowel disorders, low back pain and irritability that are common during this period.

During the second trimester
The expanding uterus pushes the abdominal organs upwards, limiting the movement of the diaphragm. This can lead to vascular disorders and contractions: the osteopath’s work helps restore mobility of the pelvis and abdomen and improve the flexibility of the surrounding tissues.

During the third trimester
The osteopath’s work on the body’s overall balance, on spinal areas that are over- or under-used, and on the tissues allows effective management of the pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux, fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome often encountered at this stage. Childbirth calls for the mother-to-be’s full strength and energy. The osteopath’s work consists of identifying any dysfunctions that cause disturbances, and then acting to reduce the strain (on both mother and child) linked to the passage of the foetus through the birth canal during delivery.

Postpartum
An osteopathic consultation is strongly recommended in the weeks following the birth, as it supports many improvements: greater comfort when breastfeeding, treating persistent pain (low back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel…) and pain more specifically linked to childbirth (position, pushing, fundal pressure, episiotomy, after-effects of an epidural, caesarean section…), and restoring a comfortable posture. It will optimise pelvic floor rehabilitation and so support a normal return to everyday activities.