At Bearsted Osteopathic Clinic in Maidstone, we offer osteopathy consultations focused on supporting women experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms and physical changes during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

All of our osteopaths are trained in the assessment and management of pregnancy and postnatal musculoskeletal conditions as part of their osteopathic education. These extended pregnancy and postnatal appointments are offered by practitioners who have undertaken additional postgraduate professional training in pre and postnatal pelvic health assessment.

These appointments are intended to support musculoskeletal health, comfort, movement and physical function during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Who May Benefit From This Appointment?

This extended osteopathy appointment is designed for women during pregnancy and the postnatal period who may benefit from additional assessment time and pelvic health-informed care.

These appointments are offered by osteopaths with additional professional training and a strong clinical interest in supporting women through pregnancy, physical preparation during late pregnancy and postnatal rehabilitation & recovery. .

You may benefit from this appointment if you are experiencing:

• Pregnancy-related back, pelvic, hip or rib pain
• Pelvic girdle pain or discomfort during pregnancy
• Postural changes and movement adaptations during pregnancy
• Fatigue, muscular tension or increased physical strain during pregnancy
• Concerns regarding mobility, comfort or physical preparation during late pregnancy

Postnatal concerns may include:

• Concerns relating to pelvic floor symptoms or recovery following pregnancy or childbirth
• Abdominal wall weakness or separation (diastasis recti)
• C-section scar discomfort or recovery concerns
• Episiotomy scar discomfort or recovery concerns
• Feeding, lifting or carrying-related strain
• Discomfort or reduced confidence returning to exercise after birth
• Persistent lower back, pelvic or hip discomfort following pregnancy
• Changes in movement, strength or physical function after childbirth
• Fatigue, muscular tension or increased physical strain during postnatal recovery

These appointments are particularly suited to women who would benefit from a longer consultation with additional time for postnatal and pelvic health-informed assessment to help guide osteopathic treatment and management planning.

What To Expect During Your Appointment

Your appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your pregnancy and/or birth experience, medical history, current symptoms and any concerns or goals you may have regarding your recovery and wellbeing.

Your osteopath will then carry out a comprehensive osteopathic and pelvic health assessment, which may include:

• A postural and mobility assessment to understand how your body has adapted to the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth
• Assessment of movement, strength and functional load through the bod
• Abdominal assessment, including screening for abdominal wall separation (diastasis recti) where appropriate
• Pelvic health screening, including discussion of any bladder, bowel or pelvic floor-related symptoms
• External pelvic floor assessment where clinically appropriate
• Internal pelvic floor examination where clinically appropriate (optional – see below)
• Following your assessment, your osteopath will discuss their findings with you and provide hands-on osteopathic treatment where appropriate. You may also receive personalised advice, lifestyle recommendations, rehabilitation guidance and exercises to support your self-management and rehabilitation goals.

Internal Pelvic Floor Examination

Your osteopath may discuss internal pelvic floor examination techniques where clinically appropriate. Any pelvic floor examination is entirely optional and would only ever take place with clear clinical reasoning and your explicit informed consent.

You will always have the opportunity to ask questions and decide what feels appropriate and comfortable for you. You may decline or withdraw consent at any time.

Examination should not be painful. If you experience discomfort at any stage, the assessment can be paused or stopped immediately. 

FAQ’s