Pregnancy and Newborn

Can I have osteopathy when I’m pregnant?

Osteopathy is considered a safe treatment for the general population involving no drugs; instead it works to relieve the underlying muscle and joint restrictions causing the pain.

Skeletal and muscular aches and pains are common throughout the population, regardless of age and gender. The various stresses on the human body during pregnancy may contribute to these commonly seen aches and pains. Our osteopathic treatments may relieve the discomfort experienced in a variety of complaints.

What common areas are treated?

  • Neck and shoulder tension; from postural changes and breast tissue development.
  • Low Back Pain including Sciatica; from change in weight bearing.
  • Digestive issues, from abdominal pressure during growth development.
  • Hand, wrist and ankle pain from change in fluid mechanics and weight bearing

We also provide monthly maintenance appointments to treat and discuss any concerns that arise during pregnancy. We offer advice on relaxation techniques leading up to and including the birth, and work with you to loosen tensions in the lower back and abdomen to help you relax and prepare for labour. We provide realistic advice with exercises and support aids to make pregnancy the enjoyable process it should be.

I first went to Lower Earley Osteopaths when I was in my second trimester of my first pregnancy. I do believe that my pregnancy was made easier thanks to the treatment from Emma.


I had pain in my lower back which she worked on and relieved making walking and getting up in the morning easier. She also gave me techniques to use every day and thoughout labour. 


Emma kept a check on my whole body; I didn’t realise quite how much your body changes through pregnancy, she not only helped with my physical needs but also informed me of what was going on inside making the technical jargon understandable.


I always felt I was floating out the door. I even managed to get a back massage from her, the real plus side was she taught my husband too so that he could help during labour.

Samantha Prince

Post Partum

Why visit an osteopath?

As with anyone who has to move a reasonable weight around on a frequent basis, we see many women at the clinic suffering from pain postpartum. This can be due to:

  • Repetitive lifting and carrying of baby and the car seat or pram.
  • Change in weight bearing posture and rapid weight loss after delivery.
  • Previous back injuries either pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy.
  • Bending over with poor posture to feed, soothe and change baby.

Unresolved birthing stresses may contribute to on-going back and shoulder pains, headaches and IBS symptoms.

Women’s bodies undergo many changes following the delivery, which can take up to 18 months for the body to return to pre-pregnancy structure. Seeking early treatment may help prevent these imbalances from becoming chronic problems.

Pregnancy can cause general aches and pains including joint and back pain and osteopathy could help support out body’s return to normal function. Our treatments may help the mother cope with the day to day stresses and strains a new baby can present to her body, so she can relax and enjoy the precious time with her new baby.

Newborn and babies

Babies should be relaxed and have minimal stresses or strains in their body. Our osteopathic treatment for babies is based on a gentle treatment approach. Osteopathy generally is a gentle treatment suitable for children and babies. Gentle manipulation could help soothe and relax your baby.

Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development; we will assess your child to see what might help.

Osteopaths will always ensure that patients and their babies and children seek appropriate medical advice and treatment alongside any osteopathic treatment, and will refer patients back to their GP if a problem is not suitable for osteopathic treatment.

I am so pleased I brought in Annabelle to see Emma, after one treatment we came away with a very relaxed and chilled baby, Emma is very informative and patient, always taking the time to understand our concerns. I’ve already recommended lots of our friends and would highly recommend her. 

Susan and Annabelle

baby