2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Pregnancy is an exceptional event in life. While it is a source of joy for most women who experience it, it can also be a source of major discomfort for others.
From little heart aches, to shrinking shoes and, of course, the famous back pain. According to the literature, approximately 70% (1) of pregnant women suffer from back pain, including pain in the sciatic nerve (sciatica).
Some women consider these pains normal, associating them with the many symptoms that may be related to pregnancy. However, whether it is discomfort or an inability to function, back pain during pregnancy can often be resolved by correcting posture or mechanical disorders.
Posture
The balance of the vertebral curvatures is essential for good back he alth in pregnant women as for everyone else. The curves of the back form a cushioning system that allows us to absorb shock with every step and movement we make. It is the same physical principle as that of the shock absorbers of a car. Lots of peoplehave a loss of coherence between the vertebral curvatures linked to bad postural habits or muscular weaknesses in the back and abdominals. Often mums-to-be already have an underlying postural problem that pregnancy brings to light.
Maintaining he althy muscles is therefore essential during pregnancy(2). Choosing the right activity to achieve this is also of great importance. Yoga, aqua fitness and even the gym with instructors (trained to work with pregnant women) can be beneficial. However, if the pain is too severe or persistent, consulting an osteopath may be the solution.
Mechanical disorders
When postural correction and exercise fail to stop the pain, it is possible that the latter is linked to a mechanical disorder. Mechanical disorders are deeper misalignments. For example, it may be the uterus that is not well centered in the abdomino-pelvic cavity or a joint in the pelvis that does not have all the mobility necessary to accommodate baby's rapid growth. Osteopathy is therefore of great help in putting the anatomical structures back in place and, moreover, promoting optimal biomechanics during the birth to come.
The osteopath is an ally of choice throughout the maternity process. He is a specialist in biomechanics, able to assist the physiology of the body in this extraordinary period dependent on greatchanges throughout the body. Whether it is before pregnancy to prevent annoying back pain, for preventive purposes to promote the process of childbirth or to soften the postpartum period, osteopathy is a solution to consider for all new moms.
Keeping fit and having proper posture is important for anyone who wants to feel good about themselves. The pregnant woman is no exception to the rule. However, it is essential during pregnancy to find out how to avoid harming the he alth of the mother or the baby. Be sure to find reputable professionals in any field. Consult Ostéopathie Québec to ensure the competence of your osteopath.
Wishing all future mothers reading this: A he althy body in a he althy body and two he althy minds!
1 Sabino J., Grauer J. N., pregnancy and low back pain, Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008 Jun;1(2):137-41.
2 Fectau E. 75 Therapeutic Exercises for the Expectant and New Mom, ed de l'homme, 2015
