Pregnancy osteopathy - Will the osteopath touch my belly?

Belly of the pregnant mother

Normally, direct manoeuvres should not be carried out on the stomach of a pregnant woman unless the gynaecologist or midwife performs them and for a significant reason. It is possible that the osteopath puts a hand on your belly and the other hand on the sacrum (the lower part of the back) to balance the palpatory sensation and have a conception of the body as a unit. Techniques could be performed on the diaphragm and on the upper part of the belly especially if the mother has visceral symptoms such as nausea.

During the last trimester, there are many techniques that can be used to improve movement and reduce pain that do not involve touching the mother’s belly. Positions such as side lying, sitting, and sitting with crossed legs can be adopted so the mother is comfortable and ensure effective treatment.