One of the most incredible and beautiful occasions in your life can be that of having a baby and many women have the most amazing time. There are some significant changes that your body undergoes and as a result there can be associated pain and discomfort.
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Osteopathy can help address some of the imbalances and changes that occur during and after pregnancy and ease the discomfort which can help you prepare for the birth process and aid recovery after birth. Here are seven things you should know before you visit an Osteopath.
1) You can gain around 25% or 10kg in extra weight during pregnancy which can put significant strain on your body.
2) As pregnancy continues the production of hormones increase to allow your pelvis to accommodate your growing uterus. Joint laxity is more pronounced in women who have had more than one baby. This in turn puts strain on the ligaments and discs and cause discomfort or pain in the lower back or pelvis. Back pain is common in pregnancy but not normal and can be treated.
3) As your baby grows your centre of gravity shifts which may cause you to lean backwards. Try to practice good posture by standing up straight and tall keeping your chest high, shoulders relaxed, have a wider stance and avoid locking your knees. When sitting avoid crossing your legs and if necessary, have support behind your back.
4) You may experience rib discomfort and indigestion as the uterus expands and there are resultant changes in abdominal pressure and changes in dynamics of the space. Soft tissue work and articulation of the ribs may help.
5) Avoid wearing high heels – this can further shift your centre of gravity and cause you to fall forwards and avoid wearing totally flat shoes. Wear something low heeled with arch support.
6) Regular exercise/physical activity such as walking or exercise in water can help strengthen and support your muscles during pregnancy.
7) Listen to your body. You may find during the first and third trimesters that you are fatigued, do not push through sit back and rest with a good book or nap – your body will thank you for it.
If you have persistent or unusual symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, strong cramps and heart palpitations for example do contact your primary care support or GP.
About Phyllis Woodfine
Phyllis Woodfine – Osteopath, Success MentorWell-being, Mindset and Confidence Coach
Phyllis’ interest in health and wellbeing began in her teens as a result of sustaining sports related injuries and receiving treatment.
In her early 20’s she had to have a series of surgeries which sparked her interest in women’s health and the mindset of coping with unexpected difficulties.
After a few years working as a Building Surveyor in Environmental Health, Phyllis realised that helping people with their housing was not enough.
Her passion lay in supporting and empowering women with their health and confidence.
As a result, she retrained in the early 1990’s as a complementary therapist, culminating in 2002 when she obtained her degree in Osteopathy.
She subsequently completed training in clinical Pilates, NLP, NLP Master Practitioner has a qualification in Hypnotherapy and a MSc in Sports Injury Management.
During her 28- year career, Phyllis has imparted her passion for Women’s Health through teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
She has strived to improve and maintain the mindset and health of women by working in the community and combining her skills.
Phyllis has been a driving force in helping her patients, clients and students to realise their desire to improve their health, grow confidence, visibility and to create necessary changes in their lives.
Phyllis WoodfineRegistered OsteopathBSc (Hons) Ost, PGCert ACEMSc
Sports Injury Management Master NLP PractitionerHypnotherapist
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As an Osteopath I advocate keeping the body in as optimum a condition as you can. Research has shown that this can lead to a better frame of mind, improve joint mobility and muscular support. It also ensures that you can improve circulation of blood and oxygen around the body including the brain which can in turn help cognitive function and mood...
