Up to 20-90% of pregnant women experience musculoskeletal pain. These problems often arise due to weight gain, an enlarged uterus, as well as hormonal and vascular changes which are commonly seen in pregnancy. During pregnancy a woman’s centre of gravity is shifted which may alter the positioning of their spine, putting them at a higher risk of neck, back, joint, or pelvic pain.

To treat this pain there are various treatment methods that a practitioner may use during your treatment which may include:

1. Soft tissue massage
2. Joint mobilisation and articulation techniques
3. TENS
4. Muscle energy techniques
5. Cranial techniques
6. Balancing ligament tension (BLT)

Studies have shown techniques such as BLT as well as joint mobilisation and MET could significantly reduce both lumbar and pelvic pain in pregnant women contributing to an overall improved quality of life (Correia et al., 2023).

But are these treatments safe?…

Osteopathy is a safe and feasible option for pregnant women who may be experiencing some of this pain. At each trimester an osteopath will carefully perform a thorough assessment prioritising both the mother and the baby. Findings from these assessments are then used to form a treatment plan taking into consideration the mother’s needs, and concerns.

During trimester 1 you may experience:

• Poor posture
• Low back pain

During trimester 2 you may experience:

1. Postural and gait associated pain
2. Pain with movement
3. Risk of falling

During your final trimester you may experience:

1. Mild to intense back pain
2. Sciatica
3. Paraesthesia in the legs
4. Muscle cramping
5. Night pain

If you’re experiencing pain during any stage of your pregnancy and unsure on what to do, feel to free to call KHC on (03) 9336 7330 or email our team at info@keilorhealthcentre.com and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Reference

Cliqmc et al. (2025) Is osteopathy safe during early pregnancy? yes, here’s why, Inspire Health & Medical. Available at: https://www.inspirehm.com.au/inspire- blog/is-osteopathy-safe-in-early-pregnancy/ (Accessed: 17 April 2025). Correia, M.L., Peixoto Filho, F.M. and Gomes Júnior, S.C. (2023) ‘Influence of osteopathic manipulative treatment on the quality of life and the intensity of lumbopelvic pain in pregnant women in the third trimester: A prospective observational study’, Healthcare, 11(18), p. 2538. doi:10.3390/healthcare11182538. Fiat, F. et al. (2022) ‘The main changes in pregnancy—therapeutic approach to musculoskeletal pain’, Medicina, 58(8), p. 1115. doi:10.3390/medicina58081115.