Absolute Health
108 Edward Avenue
Narborough Road South
Leicester LE3 2PD
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Pregnancy pains
Treatments available throughout pregnancy
- Osteopathy
- Bowen Therapy
- Reflexology
- Hypnotherapy
There are many issues to address when pregnant. As the body changes, additional stresses and strains are placed on the low back, breathing is affected, mood changes, unpleasant nausea may be experienced, as well as anxiety about childbirth.
Common Symptoms
Low Back Pain and Pelvic Pain are common in pregnancy. Figures vary from as low as 25% in one study compared to as high 80% in another.
Conditions which women who are pregnant commonly complain of include:
- Generalised muscular back pain
- SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) – pain or discomfort in the joint at the front of the pelvis
- Sacro Iliac Joint pain – presenting as pain in the lower back
- Sciatica and leg pain associated with back pain
- Rib and thoracic spinal pain leading to breathlessness and difficulty in deep breathing
- Neck aches and headaches of a mechanical nature.
Some common treatments for musculoskeletal aches and pains, such as drugs, physiotherapy and exercise, are not always suitable for pregnant women. Osteopathy offers a safe and effective way of dealing with these common conditions.
Remember
- Take particular care when lifting and carrying especially lifting or carrying other children. Do not carry a small child on one hip for any length of time
- If you stand for any length of time, keep your bottom ‘tucked’ in to reduce strain on the lower part of your spine and maintain equal weight on both legs. Sit down when dressing to avoid standing on one leg
- When sitting, adopt a good sitting posture that supports your back, thighs and feet, use a cushion for support and don’t sit with your legs crossed
- When lying on your side, place a pillow under the ‘bump’ and a pillow between your knees to provide support. When lying on your back, place pillows beneath your knees to keep them bent
- Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car, turning in bed and getting in or out of bed.
Consider Hypnotherapy
In 1993, a randomised control trial [1] reported that hypnosis, combined with childbirth education:
- reduced the length of labour
- reduced the incidence of pain medication use.
Hypnotherapy can be used to help you achieve a deep state of relaxation, to help you achieve a more comfortable, relaxed and fulfilling birth experience.
Ask your therapist about HypnoBirthing®.
References
[1] M.W. Jenkins and M. H. Pritchard, 'Hypnosis: Practical applications and theoretical considerations in normal labour', British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 100(3), 221-226, 1993