Who We Treat - Pregnancy
The process of pregnancy and labour places large demands on the mother’s body, these demands continue postnatally with breastfeeding and caring for the newborn. Many women experience happy, stress free pregnancies and straightforward labours, however this is not always the case. At the Clapham Osteopathic Practice we specialise in treating pregnant women using cranial osteopathy, which is a safe and effective way of helping the body cope with the additional physical, hormonal and emotional demands of pregnancy and labour. The majority of women experience morning sickness during the first trimester, this is often accompanied with excessive tiredness and feeling emotionally labile. The body deals with massive hormonal fluctuations during the first few months of pregnancy as the embryo develops. As the baby grows it increases the physical demands on the mother’s body, with the uterus taking up ever more space in the abdominal cavity leaving less space for the abdominal organs, often resulting in feelings of breathlessness and heartburn. The additional weight of the baby (including the amniotic fluid) and its foetal position may cause low and/or mid back pain, leg and pelvic discomfort. Cranial osteopathic treatment aims to help the mother deal with the physical changes that are happening to her body and affecting her spinal biomechanics, ribs and pelvis.

Pre-existing postural strains in the musculoskeletal system may become more apparent due to the increased loading of the spine as the baby grows bigger. Cranial osteopathic treatment looks to reduce these strains, decreasing tension in the pelvic floor, diaphragm and elsewhere in the musculoskeletal system. If a patient would prefer, it is possible to see a female cranial osteopath (Maria Sonberg). Treatment can also be done without the patient undressing (please wear loose fitting clothes).

Although natural, the birth process is a physically (and emotionally) stressful event for the mother. Perineal tearing, episiotomy, caesarean section and maternal fatigue are all potential factors in the mother retaining abnormal stresses and strains antenatally. A postpartum check-up ensures that any strains to the pelvis and body during the birth process can be balanced out through cranial osteopathic treatment.

Cranial osteopathy is very gentle and safe at any stage during pregnancy. If you do not have any particular problems and would just like a check-up, we recommend that you see us at the beginning of the second trimester. If you are not sure whether cranial osteopathy is right for you and you would like to discuss treatment with us, please call our clinic or e-mail us with your queries.

Please be aware that osteopathy does not claim to cure medical conditions, however many patients find that osteopathic treatment helps to reduce pain, improve function and increase mobility.

Testimonials:

"When I became pregnant for the fourth time I was determined to have a normal delivery, as two of my previous births had been breech and required Caesarean sections. At around 30 weeks I had a scan which showed that the baby was in the breech position. I had a cranial osteopathy treatment a week for three weeks, which helped me to feel less anxious and more in control of the birth. When I had the next scan it showed that the baby was now presenting head down - I was extremely happy! A month later I had a normal delivery with no complications and now I have a beautiful baby girl." Ms Silva, mother of four.

(All testimonials used are genuine and are from patients of Maria Sonberg D.O. and John Carr D.O. Please bear in mind that they are the opinions of ordinary people and do not represent research based scientific fact. These testimonials have been edited to shorten and clarify them, for the full versions please go to the Testimonials page.)