Women’s attitudes to and experiences of osteopathic care during pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Osteopathic literature on the topic of women’s health during pregnancy is limited. Current literature explores the possibilities of osteopathic intervention but lacks supportive research. This project is a first step towards extending the literature available by exploring the attitudes and experiences of women to osteopathic care during pregnancy. Objective: To identify and explore significant issues associated with the attitudes and experiences of women to osteopathy during pregnancy. To investigate possible relationships between osteopathic treatment and quality of life during pregnancy and the childbirth experience. Methods: This retrospective study employs a phenomenological qualitative approach. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling. Seven women who had experienced osteopathy at least three times during their pregnancies and given birth between 6 weeks and 12 months prior were interviewed to explore their attitudes to and experiences of osteopathy during pregnancy. Results: It was found that the following factors influenced the women’s attitudes to and experiences of osteopathy during pregnancy: (1) The accessibility of osteopathic care, (2) Quality of life, (3) Security during a period of change and uncertainty in life, and (4) Making sense of the experience. Conclusions: Osteopathy during pregnancy was found to be an effective treatment in reducing or ameliorating pregnancy complaints and was not perceived as being any different to osteopathic care when not pregnant.