Osteopathy during pregnancy in Rabat
Your body changes quickly during pregnancy: posture shifts, the pelvis becomes more flexible and the back works harder. An adapted session can ease some of these aches, without ever replacing care from your obstetrician or midwife.
Why the back and pelvis hurt during pregnancy
Over the months, your centre of gravity moves forward, the curve of the lower back increases and pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments of the pelvis. These normal changes explain why most pregnant women feel back or pelvic pain at some point.
This pain is usually harmless, but it can disturb walking, sleep and work. The session first checks that the pain has a mechanical cause, then uses techniques that are suitable for pregnancy.
Common symptoms and situations
Pregnant women mainly come in for:
- lower back pain that gets worse as the day goes on
- pain at the pubic bone or the back of the pelvis when walking, climbing stairs or turning over in bed
- pain running into the buttock or leg
- tension between the shoulder blades or in the neck as the breasts grow heavier
- discomfort around the ribs in late pregnancy
- preparing the body for birth, or recovering afterwards
What happens during the session
Consultation
How far along you are, how your follow-up is going, test results, previous pregnancies and the nature of the pain. Please bring your pregnancy record if possible.
Comfortable positioning
From the second trimester, the session is mostly done lying on your side with cushions, or sitting. Never lying on your front, and not for long on your back in late pregnancy.
Adapted techniques
Gentle mobilisation of the pelvis and spine, and muscle and fascial techniques. No pressure on the abdomen and no abrupt manipulation.
Advice
Sleeping positions, everyday movements, walking, suitable physical activity and the signs that should prompt you to contact your doctor.
What osteopathy can and cannot do
Research on pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain shows that manual therapy may bring moderate relief for some women, alongside suitable physical activity. The session aims for that comfort, with no promise about the course of the pregnancy or the birth.
Osteopathy does not replace obstetric care. It does not change the baby’s position, does not prevent complications and does not treat nausea or medical problems of pregnancy. If your pregnancy is high-risk, ask your doctor before booking.
When to see a doctor first
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit straight away, not an osteopath, if you have:
- bleeding, leaking fluid, or regular or painful contractions before term
- a clear reduction in your baby’s movements
- a severe headache, visual disturbance, or sudden swelling of the face or hands
- fever, burning when passing urine, or pain in the side of the back with fever
- severe abdominal pain
- pain, warmth or swelling in one calf, or unusual breathlessness
In an emergency in Morocco, call the SAMU ambulance service on 141 or Civil Protection on 15, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
At what stage of pregnancy can I book?
At any stage, as long as your medical follow-up is going normally. Techniques and positions are adjusted to how far along you are.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
The gentle techniques used are adapted to pregnant women. Each session starts by checking there are no signs that call for medical advice first.
Can I come in after giving birth?
Yes, after your postnatal check or with your doctor’s agreement, for back or pelvic pain that persists. Your baby can be seen too.
Other conditions
Low back pain
Lower back pain, a locked back, stiffness on waking or after sitting for a long time.
Sciatica
Pain running into the buttock and leg, often linked to an irritated nerve root.
Babies
A baby who turns their head to one side only, a flat spot on the head, discomfort, in liaison with the paediatrician.
Not sure whether to book?
Describe your situation on WhatsApp. The practice will tell you whether an osteopathy session is appropriate or whether you should see a doctor first.