Manual Therapy can be helpful throughout all stages of pregnancy. It is important that you advise me if you are or think you may be in the early stages of pregnancy. The first trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks) carries a naturally high risk of miscarriage. Whilst there is no proven link between osteopathic treatment and an increase in incidence of miscarriage, osteopaths take great care when treating pregnant women and adapt their treatments appropriately. Manipulation of the lumbar spine is avoided until about 14 weeks gestation but other techniques can be used. Manual Therapy is a very safe and effective treatment for the aches, pains and discomfort of pregnancy and many women find it invaluable in the later stages when the pregnancy places tremendous strain on the body.
There are no established risks that are specific to pregnancy, and ultrasound and dry needling techniques can be safely used – with due caution – in all stages of pregnancy.