Ostéopathic Medecine : Pregnancy
Pregnancy
A few facts...
During pregnancy, the embryo develops and, by the eighth week, becomes a fetus. This growth takes place within the uterine cavity, which steadily expands in response to increasing hormonal secretions and the development of the fetus. This increase in volume necessitates a remarkable physiological transformation within the woman’s body.
All the body’s tissues must adapt to accommodate the growing fetus.
In the abdominal region, the expectant mother experiences pressure that alters the entire organization of the viscera and, in particular, the vascular structures in that area.
Various symptoms and ailments often arise during pregnancy. While ultrasound examinations—frequently performed in 3D today—can reassure the mother regarding the fetus's well-being, they do not offer solutions for alleviating her own discomfort.
Osteopathy can help pregnant women improve or resolve the uncomfortable or painful symptoms that may occur.
The range of potential issues is quite broad. The most common complaints include, among others, musculoskeletal problems, sciatica, migraines, constipation, urinary incontinence, and gastric pain.
Osteopathic medicine can provide relief for these ailments, though it must be remembered that it cannot eliminate the underlying cause: the gravid (pregnant) uterus.
An osteopath works to restore lost mobility, which in turn re-establishes the proper functioning of circulatory pathways—often the root cause of the discomfort.
The practitioner focuses not only on the musculoskeletal system but also on the uterus itself, which can be gently mobilized externally if necessary.
Pregnant women are often unable to take medication for their ailments due to potential toxic effects on the fetus. Osteopathy offers a natural alternative for addressing these issues.
If you have any questions, please send us an email via our contact page.
Osteopathic care during pregnancy...
Every practitioner has their own preferred approach and clinical philosophy in this field.
- In general, expectant mothers are encouraged to seek a consultation if they experience pain or dysfunction (such as vomiting or nausea) during the first few months of pregnancy.
If the pregnancy is progressing without complications, it is recommended to schedule a visit around the fifth month, as the growing uterus begins to occupy more space within the abdomen.
At this stage, the goal is to ensure the body’s adaptive capacity is maximized, promoting optimal comfort for both the patient and the fetus.
Subsequent osteopathic care is tailored to the individual, as osteopathic medicine is always adapted to the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.
From 8 and a half months into pregnancy, osteopathic support for childbirth can be provided. The initial goal is to ensure that the patient’s bodily structures are utilizing their full potential for adaptation in preparation for labor. Osteopaths can also suggest movement techniques that help women leverage their own physiology and enhance their mental preparation.
The preparation provided by midwives is essential and mandatory.
Osteopathic care during pregnancy aims to provide the best possible relief for the various minor ailments that pregnant women may experience.
Medical supervision remains, of course, mandatory and essential, as it is the only guarantee of safety for both the patient and her baby.
An osteopath never replaces medical care; rather, they offer an additional resource to help expectant mothers experience their pregnancy as comfortably as possible.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your osteopath for guidance regarding your pregnancy from an osteopathic perspective.