Antenatal Osteopathy in London

Pregnancy changes your body quickly, and those changes can bring aches and stiffness. Our antenatal osteopathy sessions use gentle, hands-on techniques to help you move more comfortably through each trimester. Treatment is led by an experienced midwife-osteopath who understands pregnancy from both sides.

Available atLPC City (E1)

What is antenatal osteopathy?

Antenatal osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy adapted for pregnancy. It supports women through the physical, hormonal and emotional changes that come with growing a baby, using soft-tissue work, mobilisation and gentle stretching rather than forceful manipulation.

As your bump grows, your posture shifts, your ligaments soften and your centre of gravity moves forward. These natural adjustments can place extra strain on the back, pelvis and hips. Osteopathic treatment aims to help your body adapt to these changes more comfortably, so you can stay active and rest more easily.

At London Pregnancy Clinic, treatment is delivered by a midwife-osteopath — a practitioner qualified in both midwifery and osteopathy. That dual training means your session sits within a wider understanding of pregnancy, and can complement the antenatal care you receive from your midwife or GP.

What antenatal osteopathy can help with

Many women come to us with the common musculoskeletal discomforts of pregnancy. Gentle osteopathic treatment may help to ease:

  • Lower back pain and stiffness as your bump grows
  • Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and discomfort around the pelvis
  • Neck and shoulder tension from changes in posture
  • Hip pain and general aches related to shifting weight
  • Muscle tightness that makes rest and sleep harder
  • Supporting your body's recovery in the postnatal period

What to expect at your appointment

Your session begins with a conversation about your pregnancy, your general health and the discomfort you would like help with. This helps your midwife-osteopath tailor treatment to where you are in your pregnancy and how you are feeling on the day.

A typical appointment may include:

  • A short history and gentle assessment of your posture and movement
  • Hands-on treatment using soft-tissue work, mobilisation and gentle stretching
  • Comfortable positioning appropriate for your stage of pregnancy
  • Simple self-care suggestions, such as positions and gentle movement, to try at home

Is antenatal osteopathy right for me?

Antenatal osteopathy may be helpful at any stage of pregnancy for women experiencing musculoskeletal aches and stiffness. It can also support your body during the postnatal period as you recover from birth and adjust to caring for your baby.

Because every pregnancy is different, treatment is always adapted to you. If you have a specific pregnancy complication or a medical condition, it is a good idea to mention this when you book so we can plan your care appropriately, and to keep your midwife or GP informed.

Good to know

Our midwifery appointments are designed to fit around your life and to be easy to access when you need them.

A few practical details about our midwifery service:

  • Appointments available online (Zoom or telephone) or face-to-face
  • Same-day (phone or online) and weekend appointments available
  • 5* rated service on Google, Trustpilot and Doctify
  • We work with insurance companies — get in touch to enquire

Antenatal osteopathy — your questions answered

Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?

Osteopathy for pregnancy uses gentle, low-force techniques chosen with your stage of pregnancy in mind. Your midwife-osteopath will assess you first and adapt treatment to keep you comfortable and supported throughout.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances.

When in pregnancy can I have antenatal osteopathy?

Many women benefit from treatment across all three trimesters, and it can be helpful whenever musculoskeletal aches and stiffness appear. Treatment is always tailored to where you are in your pregnancy.

If you are unsure whether it is right for you at this stage, please mention your circumstances when you book, and keep your midwife or GP informed.

Can osteopathy help with pelvic girdle pain?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common pregnancy complaint caused by changes in the way the pelvis moves. Gentle osteopathic treatment aims to help you move more comfortably, and your practitioner can suggest positions and simple self-care to try between sessions.

Where pelvic floor function is also a concern, our pelvic floor clinic offers a tailored rehabilitation programme that can work alongside osteopathy.

What should I wear and how long is the appointment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing you can move easily in works well, as it allows for gentle assessment and treatment. Your practitioner will always make sure you are positioned comfortably for your stage of pregnancy.

If you have any documentation from your midwife, GP or maternity team about your pregnancy, it can be helpful to bring it along.

Can I have osteopathy after my baby is born?

Yes. Osteopathy can support your body's recovery in the postnatal period as you heal from birth and adjust to caring for your newborn. Many women choose to continue treatment after their baby arrives.

You may also wish to book a postnatal check with our Women's Health GPs for a fuller review of your recovery and wellbeing.

Do you offer same-day and weekend appointments?

Our midwifery service offers appointments online or face-to-face at our clinics, with same-day (phone or online) and weekend availability. We are a 5* rated service on Google, Trustpilot and Doctify.

Contact

Ready to book, or have a question about antenatal osteopathy?

Send us an enquiry

A member of our midwifery team will reply within one working day.

For urgent matters please call 020 3687 2939.

Sources & clinical references

The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.

  1. NHSBack pain in pregnancy2024
  2. NHSPelvic pain in pregnancy2022
  3. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)Pelvic girdle pain and pregnancy2015
  4. General Osteopathic CouncilAbout osteopathy
  5. Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsInterventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy2015