Pregnancy, Bump & Baby - Relieve, restore & repeat, Q&A with Pregnancy Osteopath Sarah Boughtwood
Q&A with Pregnancy Osteopath, Sarah Boughtwood
How is a pregnancy osteopath different from a regular osteopath?
A general and pregnancy osteopath have both completed the 5years masters study in New Zealand but a pregnancy Osteopath has a special interest in pregnancy and more of a focus and skill set based on pregnancy. I have done a lot of extra professional development courses and study on pregnancy and postpartum. I have such a love for supporting women through their pregnancy journey into motherhood. It is such a special time for women but can often come with aches and pains, so I enjoy supporting women and help guide their body through this time.
When should I see an osteo during pregnancy?
Every pregnancy is very unique and there is no set time you should see an Osteopath. Often women will book an appointment when aches and pains start to occur, which can be anytime from early into pregnancy right up to those final few weeks. Booking an appointment early in to pregnancy can be very beneficial to get some advice on exercise, stretches, sleeping position and for the Osteopath to assess how your body is adapting to pregnancy. This might also help avoid those aches and pains from starting. This can be especially important if you have had any aches and pains in previous pregnancies or previous injuries. I also recommend doing a couple of treatment sessions in those final few weeks of pregnancy tobest support the body ahead of delivery, whether that be vaginal or caesarean section. These treatments aim to release any tight joints, muscles and ligaments which will help thepelvis during birth and aid your recovery after birth.
What will a pregnancy osteo help with?
A pregnancy Osteopath can help with a wide range of aches and pains that occur in pregnancy including; headaches and migraines, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, rib pain, reflux, lower back pain, constipation, sacroiliac joint pain, SPD/Pubic joint pain, hip pain, sleeping issues, tailbone pain, restless legs syndrome, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, breathing issues, shoulder pain, jaw pain and more. As pregnancy Osteopath I have I specialised in pregnancy for many years now and have a thorough understanding of pregnancy and how to best support the pregnant women.
What does the treatment entail?
Your first appointment is a case history about your pain, medical questions about your general health and pregnancy questions. This is followed by an examination of your body (muscles, joints, ligaments, range of movement and so on) and any medical tests (for example blood pressure, reflexes etc). Then treatment which is of the whole body using hands on, physical therapy (joint mobilitisation, stretching, soft tissue mobilty and more). Treatment is never just of the ‘sore area’. As Osteopaths are holistic, meaning we treat the whole body, to get everything working as optimally as possible to best support your body through pregnancy. Then finally, tailored advice which might include; stretches, exercises, work station set up, pillows, sleeping posture and so on.
Can treatment induce labour?
Luckily no, as I treat women in all stages of pregnancy. I firmly believe a baby will be born when they are ready. Medically this might need to be earlier than expected if there is something else going on but in general a baby will come when it is ready. Treatment can help the body be as ready for delivery as possible but it can not induce labour. Osteopathic treatment before labour helps reduce any tight muscles and ligaments and helps reduce any joint restrictions which can impact birth and recovery.
Can treatment turn a baby?
Treatment can help improve the mobility of the spine and pelvis, loosen tight muscles and joints which may be restricting the babies ability to turn head down in to the pelvis but treatment can not turn a baby. In fact if a baby is posterior, transverse or breech an ECV (external cephalic version) needs to be done by an Obstestrician under an ultrasound guidance. Special care is taken during an ECV as you don’t know where the umbilical cord or placenta are lying which may be the reason for the babies position. In the third trimester, the baby will often turn themselves into the correct position. Spinning babies is a great website with yoga positions to help guide the baby into the correct position.
How soon after birth can I see an Osteopath?
I have treated some women the day after birth but the answer is that it is up to the mother and when she feels comfortable. Following a caesarean section I will still treat the mother but avoid the abdomen as the scar is too new.
Do I need a referral?
To see an Osteopath you do not need a referral. You can simply book yourself in when ever suits you.
Will ACC cover my treatment even though I am pregnant?
ACC covers accidents, regardless if you are pregnant or not. General aches and pains from pregnancy are not covered by ACC as they are not accidents. An example would be sore hips from sleeping on your sides at night.
Sarah Boughtwood
Pregnancy & Postpartum Osteopath
@sarahboughtwoodosteopath
www.sarahboughtwoodosteopath.co.nz