How a Pregnancy Osteopath in Essendon Can Support You Through Every Trimester

Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing journey—but let’s be real, it can also come with a fair share of aches, discomfort, and big changes to your body. Whether it’s back pain, pelvic pressure, headaches, or just feeling out of alignment, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to put up with it. That’s where seeing a pregnancy osteopath in Essendon can make a real difference.

At Lifespan Osteopathy, we support expectant mums throughout every stage of pregnancy with safe, hands-on treatment and practical advice. Our goal? To help you feel more comfortable in your body, prepare for birth with confidence, and enjoy your pregnancy as much as possible.

Why See a Pregnancy Osteopath?

As your body grows and adapts to pregnancy, your joints, ligaments, and muscles all adjust too. This natural process can sometimes lead to:

• Lower back and pelvic pain
• Sciatica or nerve irritation
• Headaches or neck tightness
• Rib pain or shortness of breath
• Discomfort with sleep or posture
• Changes in movement and stability

Our osteopaths use gentle techniques to support your body’s natural changes and relieve any discomfort that might arise along the way. We also provide helpful guidance around posture, breathing, sleep, and safe movement during pregnancy.

First Trimester: Easing the Transition

The first trimester can feel like a whirlwind—hormonal shifts, fatigue, and sometimes nausea. But there are also early physical changes taking place, like softening of ligaments and subtle shifts in posture.

You may notice:

• Headaches or neck tension
• Lower back sensitivity
• Fatigue-related muscle tightness
• Breathing changes

During this stage, osteopathic treatment can gently ease tension, support circulation, and lay the foundation for a more comfortable pregnancy ahead. We also provide advice on how to move well and support your body through these early changes.

Second Trimester: Adapting to a Growing Belly

As your energy returns and your baby bump begins to show, your centre of gravity shifts—and with that, your posture, balance, and the way your muscles work also start to change.

Common issues we treat during the second trimester include:

• Pelvic and hip discomfort
• Sciatic-type pain
• Mid-back or rib tightness
• Shoulder and neck tension

Seeing a pregnancy osteopath in Essendon during this stage can help relieve pressure, improve movement, and keep you feeling strong and supported. We also introduce exercises to gently build strength and stability as your body continues to adapt.

Third Trimester: Preparing for Birth

As your due date gets closer, the physical demands on your body peak. You might feel heavier, more tired, and more restricted in your movement or breathing. Joint laxity, swelling, and pelvic pressure are also common in the final weeks.

We often support women with:

• Pelvic girdle or pubic symphysis pain
• Low back or sacral discomfort
• Reflux or rib tightness
• Difficulty finding comfortable sleep positions
• Optimising pelvic mobility to support labour and birth

Osteopathic care at this stage is about maintaining comfort, encouraging relaxation, and preparing your body for birth. We focus on calming the nervous system, improving mobility, and supporting your breathing and posture.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

At Lifespan, we don’t use cookie-cutter treatment plans. Each appointment is tailored to you—your stage of pregnancy, your symptoms, and your goals.

Your session might include:

• Gentle hands-on techniques to relieve tension and improve movement
• Support for your spine, pelvis, ribs, or joints
• Advice on posture, sleep, and how to move safely
• Targeted, pregnancy-safe exercises
• A calm, supportive space to talk through how you’re feeling

All of our osteopaths are trained to adapt techniques to suit each stage of pregnancy, and we work collaboratively with your GP, obstetrician, or midwife if needed.

Supporting You Beyond Pregnancy

Your body doesn’t just “bounce back” after birth—it continues to change as you care for your new baby. Many new mums come to us postnatally for help with:

• Recovery from labour or C-section
• Pelvic floor support
• Neck and back pain from feeding or lifting
• Rebuilding core strength safely

We’re here to support you during this next chapter too.

Furthermore, we’ve even got highly-trained Paediatric Osteopaths who can help you little one with any troubles they may be having, such as breastfeeding difficulties, tightness in the neck or plagiocephaly.

Looking for a Pregnancy Osteopath in Essendon?

If you’re expecting and want to feel more supported, our team is here for you—whether you’re in the early weeks or the final stretch. We’re a family-friendly clinic, and we take the time to listen and personalise your care at every visit.