Craniosacral Therapy in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is such an amazing time in a woman's life but it is also likely to be the most momentous thing that happens to her.  In addition to the extra strains put on her body, she also has to navigate the whole emotional roller coaster that often accompanies the pregnancy and upcoming birth.  This is where craniosacral therapy can help....

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The physical strains on your body include the following:
(i) Circulatory System
Your blood system changes dramatically during pregnancy, with your blood volume increasing by about 50% more than before you became pregnant (this varies from woman to woman).  This means your circulatory system is having to work extra hard to pump all of that blood around your system.
(ii) Compensation for weight gain
Many women gain between 1.5 stone and 3 stone during their pregnancy, which obviously has a significant strain on the body and also on balance and gait.  Extra weight is piled on around the pelvis and sacrum to protect the pelvis.  Often the curvature in the spine will be increased, as the body counterbalances the weight up front.

(iii) Chemical battle
For the first trimester, a pregnant woman's body will be battling with the chemical changes in her body, which often manifests as nausea and sickness.  The hormones released will loosen the pelvis (pubic cartilage) ready for birth, but it also makes all the body's ligaments more stretchy.
(iv) Tiredness
Anyone who has been pregnant will tell you there is nothing quite like the level of tiredness you get, which seems to peak in the first trimester, become easier in the second and then raise its head again in the final trimester.  It is not surprising if you consider the miracle that is growing inside, and the resources that are needing to be used up to enable this new being to enter the world!

Emotionally, pregnancy really can be a roller coaster.  A woman can and will feel the whole spectrum of emotion - from absolute joy to complete terror.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to support a woman through this powerful and instinctive time in her life.  A craniosacral therapist can help to balance the pelvis and uterus in pregnancy to ease and prevent ligament pain, posterior babies and low back, hip or rib pain. As important however is the ability to hold a space for strong emotions and fluctuating hormone levels, thus allowing attention to the inner processes that are taking place.

During pregnancy, CST can help with:

• settling nausea
• calming the nervous system 
• easing stresses and strains in the pelvis and lower back
• exploring and resolving fear around the birth process
• stilling the mind and emotions 

Personally, I would love to see a time where pregnant women get support such as craniosacral therapy on the NHS.  And also, post birth for both mother and baby.