Pregnancy is one of the most physically demanding experiences the human body goes through. As your body adapts week by week to support a growing baby, pain and discomfort are common, and for many women, frustrating. The options for pain relief during pregnancy are limited. Most medications are off the table, and many women are simply told to push through it.
Osteopathy for pregnancy offers a safe, drug-free, hands-on alternative that is gentle enough for every stage of pregnancy and effective for some of the most common complaints expectant mothers deal with, including back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, and postural strain.
At Best Osteopathy, we have helped many pregnant women across Metro Vancouver find real relief without medication, at any stage of pregnancy from the first trimester through to postpartum recovery.
Why Pregnancy Causes So Much Pain
Pregnancy changes your body in ways that go far beyond a growing belly. As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward. Your lower back curves more deeply, your pelvis tilts, and your ligaments soften due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens joints to prepare for labour. These changes are entirely normal, but they place significant strain on the spine, pelvis, hips, and surrounding soft tissue.
In addition, many women carry existing tension patterns or old injuries into pregnancy that become amplified as the body adapts. A previous back injury, a pelvis that was already slightly asymmetrical, or chronic neck and shoulder tension from desk work can all become much more noticeable during pregnancy.
What Conditions Does Prenatal Osteopathy Help With?
Osteopathic manual treatment during pregnancy can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Lower back pain and lumbar strain from postural changes
- Pelvic girdle pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Round ligament pain in the second trimester
- Pubic symphysis pain (SPD)
- Rib pain and thoracic stiffness as the uterus expands
- Neck and shoulder pain from postural strain
- Headaches and tension
- Swelling and fluid retention
- Digestive discomfort and heartburn
- Sleep difficulties related to musculoskeletal discomfort
Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Osteopathic manual treatment is considered safe throughout pregnancy when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. Our practitioners at Best Osteopathy are trained in prenatal care and adapt their techniques to each trimester. We use gentle soft-tissue work, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and visceral manipulation rather than high-velocity thrust techniques. Treatment is fully clothed and performed on a comfortable, supportive table with positioning adjusted for your comfort and safety at every stage.
We always recommend informing your midwife or OB-GYN that you are receiving osteopathic care, and we work collaboratively with other members of your healthcare team.
Osteopathy in Each Trimester
First Trimester
In the first trimester, treatment focuses on addressing existing structural imbalances, tension patterns, and any pre-existing injuries that may affect how your body adapts as your pregnancy progresses. This is also an important time to assess the pelvis and sacrum to support optimal fetal positioning as your pregnancy develops.
Second Trimester
As the baby grows and your posture shifts, the second trimester is when many women first experience back pain, round ligament pain, and pelvic discomfort. Treatment focuses on maintaining spinal and pelvic mobility, releasing tension in the hip flexors, lumbar fascia, and diaphragm, and supporting your body as it adapts to the increasing weight of your growing baby.
Third Trimester
In the third trimester, treatment shifts toward preparing the pelvis for labour and delivery. Techniques address the mobility of the sacrum, the symmetry of the pelvis, and the soft tissues of the pelvic floor. Many women find that regular osteopathic treatment in the final weeks of pregnancy supports a smoother, less complicated labour.
Postpartum Osteopathy
Osteopathic care does not stop at delivery. The postpartum period is a significant time of physical recovery, whether you delivered vaginally or by caesarean section. Common postpartum issues we treat include:
- Lower back and pelvic pain following delivery
- Tailbone pain (coccydynia) after vaginal birth
- Caesarean scar tissue and abdominal tension
- Neck and shoulder pain from feeding and carrying positions
- Pelvic floor tension and dysfunction
- Thoracic and rib pain from breastfeeding posture
- Fatigue and general musculoskeletal strain
Most new mothers are surprised by how much benefit they get from a single postpartum session. Your body has just done something extraordinary. It deserves support to recover.
Why Choose Best Osteopathy for Prenatal Care in Vancouver?
Our team brings deep clinical experience that goes beyond osteopathic training. Founder Mehrbod Atshani practiced as an ER and general physician before transitioning to manual osteopathy, giving him a perspective that bridges conventional medicine and hands-on care. Negin Derakhshan holds both an MD and a Doctor of Manual Osteopathy and brings extensive experience treating women with complex pain presentations.
We have four locations across Metro Vancouver, no referral is needed, and most extended health plans cover osteopathic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need during pregnancy?
This varies depending on your symptoms and how far along you are. Many patients benefit from monthly sessions in the first and second trimester, increasing to every two to three weeks in the third trimester as the body changes more rapidly. We assess this together at your first appointment.
Can osteopathy help if my baby is in a breech position?
Osteopathic treatment does not directly turn a baby, but it can help release tension and restrictions in the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues that may be limiting fetal movement. Some practitioners believe this creates more optimal conditions for the baby to find its own ideal position. We recommend discussing this with your midwife or OB.
When can I start postpartum osteopathic treatment?
Most women can begin gentle osteopathic treatment within two to three weeks of a vaginal delivery, and four to six weeks after a caesarean section. We tailor the treatment to your specific recovery and will take a thorough history at your first postpartum visit.
Is osteopathy covered by extended health insurance for pregnancy?
In most cases, yes. Manual osteopathy is covered by most extended health plans in BC. We provide receipts you can submit to your insurer directly. No referral from your doctor is needed.
Book a Prenatal Osteopathy Appointment in Vancouver
You should not have to simply endure pain throughout your pregnancy. Osteopathy for pregnancy in Vancouver is a safe, evidence-informed, and deeply supportive approach to keeping your body comfortable, mobile, and well as you prepare to welcome your baby.
Book at the Best Osteopathy location nearest to you. No referral needed.
- Downtown Vancouver, 658 Homer St, Suite 410
- Brentwood Burnaby, 1920 Willingdon Ave
- New Westminster, 661 Columbia St
- Richmond, 3891 Chatham St, Steveston Village
Or call us at (604) 445-1456 or email info@bestosteopathy.ca with any questions.
Learn more about our team of registered practitioners and the conditions we treat.
