Enjoying Your Pregnancy – by Laura Richardson, MHSc

Most pregnant women experience at least one of the common pregnancy related ailments that often lead to discomfort or pain, but with natural treatment options available, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Pregnancy-related ailments are often classed as minor issues of pregnancy as they pose little to no threat to the baby or the mother long-term. For the pregnant woman experiencing this pain, it can be unpleasant and significantly impact her quality of life.

The body is designed to make the changes that pregnancy requires, however many people have old injuries, joint restrictions or altered patterns of movement that make it difficult for the body to adjust in the most appropriate and comfortable way. This leads to pain and discomfort as the body attempts to cope with the continual changes pregnancy demands.

Many women believe that pregnancy is supposed to be uncomfortable and a little pain is all part of the process, but this does not have to be the case.

Osteopathy is a safe and effective approach to assess and treat the biomechanical dysfunctions that may be affecting the body’s ability to adjust to a growing baby.

Through the use of hands-on techniques osteopaths can help women manage their pregnancy with greater ease.

An osteopath helps improve circulation, lymphatic drainage and digestion as well as decreasing pain in areas of joint restriction and muscle strain. By improving the way the body is functioning, Osteopathy can assist women in all stages of pregnancy.

Prior to falling pregnant, osteopaths can address areas of old injury, movement dysfunction and strain in the body, decreasing the chances of developing pain while pregnant.

Osteopathic treatments conducted during pregnancy can address areas of pain and discomfort, thereby allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy. Ensuring the body is functioning optimally throughout the pregnancy and in the lead up to delivery, gives the body the best possible chance at a normal, natural delivery.

Labour and birthing places stress on both the mother and baby. Postpartum osteopathic treatment can deal with any strains incurred during delivery and address any remaining ailments from the pregnancy. Assessment of newborns is also an excellent idea to examine any strains the baby may have developed in utero or during delivery.

Laura Richardson, BSc, MHSc is an Australian-trained Osteopathic Manual Practitioner based in St. Catharines, On., and is the principal osteopath at Natural Life Integrated Health Care Solutions.