Introduction:
At TLC Osteopaths, we understand the unique needs of pregnant women. Weather from first hand experience, professional experience, courses or hours spent on google scholar, we reckon we have a fair bit to offer pregnant mothers. We work with you help understand your changing body, how to manage your pain and what to expect whilst your expecting. Here, we aim to answer some common questions about osteopathy and acupuncture during pregnancy in clear and simple terms.
Table of Contents
Can I Go to an Osteopath When Pregnant?
Can Osteopathic Manipulation Be Done During Pregnancy?
What Can a Pregnant Woman Do to Stop Back Pain?
Is Acupuncture Good While Pregnant?
Can I Go to an Osteopath When Pregnant?
Absolutely! It's generally safe and beneficial for pregnant women to see an osteopath. Mostly we help with pain, but we are often involved with turning babies, labor onset and lifestyle education. Osteopathy focuses on enhancing the body's natural healing abilities.
References:
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2018). Osteopathy in Pregnancy.
Licciardone, J. C., Buchanan, S., & Hensel, K. L. (2010). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of Back Pain and Related Symptoms during Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Can Osteopathic Manipulation Be Done During Pregnancy?
Yes, osteopathic manipulation can be done during pregnancy, as the above paragraph would suggest. It's essential to choose an osteopath experienced in prenatal care as there is no 'formal' post graduate qualification. So technically any osteopath is qualified to treat pregnant woman (hopefully this will change sin the future). So look for an osteopath who seems to have an expressed interest in treating pregnancy and maybe reach out to a couple to see if they are a good fir for you and your expanding belly/family. The techniques can be adapted for the safety and comfort of both the mother and the baby.
References:
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2008). Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies.
What Can a Pregnant Woman Do to Stop Back Pain?
Managing back pain during pregnancy is possible! Consider gentle exercises like prenatal yoga or simple walking, maintaining good posture, using pillows for support while sleeping, and seeking the assistance of an osteopath for targeted relief. So much can go into the experience of back pain that it really is tricky/risky to give simple 'cure-all' answers in a blog format.
References:
American Pregnancy Association. (2019). Back Pain During Pregnancy.
Is Acupuncture Good While Pregnant?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective option for managing certain pregnancy-related symptoms. This includes pain, labor onset and nausea amongst others. Again, it's important to consult with a qualified practitioner as there is not a formal qualification required to practice acupuncture on pregnant woman. It is worth noting that some of our osteopaths at TLC practice using both osteopathy and acupuncture.
References:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2020). Acupuncture: In-Depth.
Summary:
Hopefully this information helps clear a few things up. If you have more question, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to take a phone call (between patients) and discuss your options or to offer some advice.
Written by Darryl Jenkins Hamilton Osteopath TLC osteopaths
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