OBSTETRICAL OSTEOPATHY
Obstetric osteopathy is born from general osteopathy, with the particularity that it is indicated in pregnant women. It has very interesting work tools to accompany this very special stage, providing solutions to a multitude of symptoms and problems related to each stage of pregnancy.
It is very effective in the treatment of back pain that appears due to weight gain and the change in the center of gravity that the woman’s body presents, as well as in accompanying the changes that are experienced on many levels:
- Fluid retention.
- Constipation.
- Nausea / vomiting.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Premature contractions.
- Coccygodynia (coccyx pain).
- Back pain (cervicalgia, dorsalgia, lumbar pain).
- Sciatica
- Vaginal varices or pain in the pelvic floor.
- Babies coming from the buttocks.
- Balance of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Postpartum depression.
- Mastitis.
- Postpartum reeducation.
- Episiotomy scar.
- Postepidural scar.
PROTOCOL TO FOLLOW
In a first visit, the specialist will fully assess the pregnant woman and then focus on the reason for the consultation.
If the patient comes for prevention and maintenance, the osteopath will focus on ensuring that the pregnant woman has freedom of movement in all the structures that throughout pregnancy will undergo adaptive changes due to weight gain and the different distribution of the center of gravity. You must also make sure to release all mobility restrictions that may be present around the uterus and that may restrict its growth.
When the date of birth is closer, the aim of the session will focus on ensuring the correct mobility of all the structures involved during childbirth: lumbar, pelvic bones, uterine ligaments and perineum muscles.
It is also interesting to check how the patient’s central nervous system is doing. Pregnancy is a time when this system needs to be in balance to avoid the occurrence of premature contractions and many other dysfunctions that occur as a result.
WHEN IS IT INDICATED?
Even if no pain is experienced during pregnancy it is advisable to visit an obstetric osteopath at least once per trimester. In these visits, the specialist can find dysfunctions that could later cause discomfort or complications, as well as improve the general condition of the pregnant woman.
At the end of pregnancy, it is advisable to make a visit to prepare for the birth to ensure that the osteo-ligamentous structures involved in the birth are free of any restriction of their mobility and to give some important advice for the big day.
It is also important to carry out a postpartum check-up and check that the different structures that have been involved during pregnancy and delivery are in good condition, as well as to carry out a good re-education of the pelvic floor after delivery.