An osteopathic approach to pregnancy

Pregnancy represents one of the most extraordinary physiological transformations in a woman’s life. During this period, the body undergoes profound biomechanical, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and emotional changes, which require a continuous and dynamic capacity for adaptation.

For the osteopath, supporting a woman on her journey from conception to the postpartum period means understanding the complexity of these changes and developing specific clinical skills to support maternal health in a safe, effective manner that is integrated with obstetric and medical care.

This three-day intensive course offers a practical and clinically grounded approach to osteopathic care for women during the pre-conception period, throughout pregnancy, in preparation for childbirth, and in the first few weeks after birth.

Through targeted theoretical sessions, practical demonstrations, guided exercises and the discussion of clinical cases, participants will gain greater confidence in the assessment and treatment of women during pregnancy and in the postnatal period.

From preparing for conception to birth

The course explores the role of osteopathy in the various stages of motherhood, offering an in-depth understanding of the physiological adaptations that accompany pregnancy.

The following topics will be covered in depth:

• Osteopathic care during the pre-conception period
• Optimisation of maternal function and adaptation
• Structural and physiological changes during each trimester
• Changes in maternal biomechanics
• Respiratory and cardiovascular adaptations
• Endocrine and metabolic changes
• Visceral and postural changes

Osteopathic preparation for childbirth

A significant part of the programme will be devoted to preparing women for childbirth. Participants will explore:

• Pelvic mobility and adaptability
• Relationships between the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic diaphragms
• Fascial and ligamentous adaptations
• Strategies to promote maternal comfort
• Support for optimal foetal positioning
• Clinical considerations in preparation for labour and delivery

The aim is to understand how the osteopathic approach can help to promote the functionality and adaptability of the maternal system during the final stages of pregnancy.

Management of common pregnancy-related issues

Conditions frequently observed in clinical practice will be analysed:

Musculoskeletal disorders

• Lower back and pelvic pain
• Rib and chest pain
• Pelvic girdle dysfunction
• Cervical and dorsal pain
• Discomfort related to postural changes

Systemic considerations

• Gastrointestinal and digestive function
• Vascular adaptations
• Lymphatic system and oedema management
• Respiratory comfort
• Fatigue and functional recovery

Breast health

• Physiological changes in the mammary gland
• Preparation for breastfeeding
• Support for the function of the tissues involved

Osteopathic care in the early postpartum period

The weeks following birth represent a period of intense physical and emotional adjustment for the mother. The course will explore:

• Postural and biomechanical recovery
• Adaptations of the pelvic floor
• Abdominal wall recovery
• Managing stress related to caring for the newborn
• Osteopathic support in the early postpartum period
• Indications and limitations of osteopathic treatment

Therapeutic approaches

During the course, safe and appropriate osteopathic techniques for pregnancy will be presented and practised, including:

• Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT)
• Myofascial release
• Cranial osteopathy
• Functional approaches geared towards physiological adaptation
• Gentle techniques that respect the tissue changes associated with pregnancy

Clinical safety and interdisciplinary collaboration

A central element of the programme concerns patient safety and the osteopath’s appropriate role within the care pathway.

Particular attention will be paid to:

• Obstetric and postnatal red flags
• Contraindications and precautions
• Referral criteria
• Collaboration with midwives, gynaecologists, doctors and breastfeeding advisers

Skills developed

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the main physiological changes during pregnancy
• Safely assess women at different stages of pregnancy
• Apply osteopathic strategies appropriate to pregnancy and the postnatal period
• Recognise the most common issues affecting pregnant women
• Promote maternal comfort and adaptation
• Identify warning signs and referral criteria
• Collaborate effectively with other professionals involved in antenatal care

Teaching based on the clinical experience of Julie Fendall

The course is led by Julie Fendall, an osteopath and international lecturer with extensive experience in paediatric osteopathy, pregnancy and maternal health.

For many years, Julie has worked closely with women, newborns and families, developing a clinical approach that integrates an understanding of the physiological changes of pregnancy with osteopathic support for the mother and baby during the early stages of life.

Her clinical and teaching experience enables her to offer participants a practical, up-to-date and interdisciplinary perspective, grounded in patient safety, clinical reasoning and collaboration with midwives, gynaecologists, breastfeeding counsellors and other healthcare professionals.