An expectant mother’s body undergoes many amazing changes. The most obvious being a growing abdomen. This change exerts a downward, forward pull on the lower spine. This has knock-on effects of an increased low back curve, changes to the pelvis and overall postural changes. In addition, as the pregnancy progresses the way you walk changes and your centre of gravity too. All these changes often lead to aches and pains. Additionally, as the expectant mum approaches her due date her body secretes a hormone called relaxin, which loosens ligaments. This may exaggerate the effects of an existing spinal or pelvic problems.

Aches and pains can appear as your walk (and centre of gravity) changes to accommodate your growing bump.

With all these physical changes occurring in the expectant mum, as well as the baby growing, maintaining a healthy structural balance is important. An examination to ensure the pelvis and lower back are aligned and that everything is functioning optimally can be beneficial. Some mums-to-be will experience some aches and others will not. Having a check-up even if you don’t experience any aches or pains is important. Ensure your body is working to its optimum and prepared as the big day approaches.  A well-balanced body can also help reduce labour time, incidence of intervention and recovery time for the mum.

Having treatment may also indirectly help keep the growing baby balanced and aligned in the optimal position. Treatments for pregnant women are gentle, very safe and extremely effective.

Along with examining and treating the expectant mum, lots of home advice for a smoother pregnancy is given to mums. Even in labour there are many things the mum can do to help herself. For example, the body position during delivery. The popular semi-recumbent position that places the woman on her back closes off the vital space needed for the baby to pass through the pelvis. This is why squatting is the preferred position! Gravity works to help and the pelvis can open to a greater degree. Squatting during delivery results in decreased use of forceps and a shorter second stage of labour compared to staying in the semi-recumbant position! Read more here.