Pregnancy-Related Pain Osteopathy in Crowborough and Rotherfield
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and some women experience back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip pain or muscle tension during pregnancy. These symptoms can affect sleep, walking, work, exercise and everyday activities.
At TQ Osteopathy, Thomas Snook provides individual osteopathic assessment and care at his clinic in Rotherfield, near Crowborough, East Sussex. An assessment can help explore the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your discomfort and discuss suitable options for managing them during pregnancy.
Aches and pains are common in pregnancy, but it is important to seek advice from your midwife, GP or maternity service if you are concerned about your health or your baby’s health.
Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain
Back pain and pelvic girdle pain are common during pregnancy. As your body changes, changes in posture, weight distribution, joint mobility and muscle function may contribute to discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, hips, buttocks or thighs.
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), previously sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), may cause pain around the pubic bone, lower back, hips, groin, buttocks or tailbone. It can be worse when walking, turning in bed, getting in or out of a car, climbing stairs, or moving your legs apart.
How osteopathy may help
Osteopathy involves assessing movement and considering how muscles, joints and other tissues may contribute to symptoms. During pregnancy, assessment and care are adapted to your stage of pregnancy, comfort and individual circumstances.
Depending on your needs, your care may include:
Advice on movement, posture and everyday activities
Gentle hands-on techniques where appropriate
Individualised exercises and mobility recommendations
Guidance on pacing activity, sleep positions and daily tasks
Strategies to support comfort and function during pregnancy
Treatment is tailored to the individual. No particular treatment or outcome can be guaranteed. If your symptoms suggest that medical assessment, physiotherapy or maternity input is more appropriate, this will be discussed with you.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at your first appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, pregnancy, medical history and what you would like help with.
We will:
1. Discuss your symptoms, health history and stage of pregnancy.
2. Carry out an appropriate assessment, adapted for pregnancy and with your consent.
3. Explain the findings plainly. Discuss whether osteopathic care is suitable and agree a management plan.
4. Provide advice or exercises to support your comfort between appointments.
If you have any concerns about your pregnancy or your baby’s movements, please contact your midwife or maternity unit.
Practical self-care suggestions
Every pregnancy is different, so it is important to avoid anything that significantly increases your pain. General strategies that may help include:
Staying active within comfortable limits
Changing position regularly rather than sitting or standing for long periods
Sitting down to get dressed
Keeping your knees together when turning in bed or getting in and out of a car
Using a pillow between the knees when sleeping
Wearing supportive footwear
Asking for help with lifting, carrying or household tasks
Avoiding activities that make symptoms worse
When to seek urgent medical advice
Contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 urgently if you have back pain during the second or third trimester, particularly if it could be a sign of early labour. Also seek advice if you have back pain with fever, vaginal bleeding, pain when passing urine, or pain under the ribs on one or both sides.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain and lose feeling in one or both legs, buttocks or genitals.
If you have pelvic pain and find it difficult to move around, get out of a car, turn over in bed, or go up and down stairs, contact your midwife or GP for advice, as these can be signs of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.
Osteopathy in Rotherfield and Crowborough
TQ Osteopathy is based in Rotherfield, East Sussex, conveniently located for patients travelling from Crowborough and surrounding villages.
Appointments are available at the clinic, with home visits also available by arrangement.
About Thomas Snook
Thomas Snook is an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
At TQ Osteopathy, the emphasis is on individual care: taking time to understand your concerns, explaining the assessment clearly and discussing appropriate options with you.
Arrange an appointment
If you would like to discuss pregnancy-related back pain, pelvic pain or musculoskeletal discomfort, please get in touch.
Telephone: 07493 796676
Email: tqosteo@gmail.com
TQ Osteopathy
Rotherfield, East Sussex
References
NHS. Back pain in pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/common-symptoms/back-pain/
NHS. Pelvic pain in pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/common-symptoms/pelvic-pain/
NHS. Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for.
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/common-symptoms/pregnancy-symptoms-you-need-to-get-help-for/
NHS. Osteopathy. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteopathy/
General Osteopathic Council. What is osteopathy?
https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/for-patients/about-osteopathy/what-is-osteopathy/