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What is the interest of osteopathy for the future mother?
All moms will say it, pregnancy causes many changes in the body, causing a lot of inconvenience as well. And to deal with it, osteopathy can be effective. It will indeed help the body to gradually adapt to its modifications by releasing accumulated tensions. Thanks to a global approach of the pelvis, the diaphragm, the skull or the thorax, the specialist will thus offer a balance to your body by freeing the areas of restriction that cause pain. By very gentle gestures, the osteopath allows your body to adjust to your condition and ensure better functionality of all your organs.
What ailments can osteopathy relieve?
Low back pain, sciatica, gastric reflux, constipation, hemorrhoids, circulation problems, sleep disorders… These symptoms are unfortunately the lot of many pregnant women. The majority of drugs are to be avoided during pregnancy, mothers-to-be tend to accept these inconveniences, while osteopathy can help relieve them. To soothe a back pain, for example, the osteopath will prepare the painful area by stretching and massaging to relax the ligaments, bone structure and tissues. Regarding gastric reflux, the work will be done more specifically on the stomach, esophagus and diaphragm. It is a work which takes into account the whole body, the whole being carried out smoothly.
When to consult an osteopath?
Expectant mothers generally consult from the fourth month of pregnancy, when the uterus becomes larger and the ligaments begin to tighten. A consultation during the seventh or eighth month can also help the baby to get in line and prepare the mother for a more peaceful delivery. Be aware that a single session can sometimes be enough to relieve you. Depending on your symptoms, the osteopath will tell you whether it is better to come back to see him or not. Please note, an osteopathy session does not in any way replace childbirth preparation courses.
Are there any contraindications to osteopathy during pregnancy?
In general, it is the gynecologists, obstetricians or midwives who monitor your pregnancy who will recommend an osteopathy session. You can nevertheless meet a specialist by making an appointment directly, no medical prescription is indeed necessary. However, make sure that you have no contraindications, such as a neck that is too open, hypertension … The osteopath will ask you a number of questions anyway before starting the session.
What about the baby in all of this?
Osteopathy has no direct impact on the baby. The osteopath indeed works on the uterine ligaments and does not affect your child. When it is in headquarters, the specialist is in no way authorized to make a version to return it. Its job is to balance the content / container by freeing the pelvis and diaphragm, to make room for the baby and ensure that he can finally turn around freely if possible.
How to find a specialist?
Since 2007, osteopathy has been officially recognized by the public authorities. Some osteopaths are specialized in pregnancy, seek advice from the specialist who follows you, midwife or doctor, in order to know the name of a competent osteopath. You will also find the list of specialists in the directory of osteopaths on but also in the Register of osteopaths in France. Finally, be aware that some mutuals sometimes cover part of the consultation.