Before you were pregnant, did you ever try craniosacral therapy for migraines or headaches? Or for any other condition? Maybe you have heard from someone else about the therapy? Did you know that craniosacral therapy can also be helpful and beneficial during pregnancy?

Craniosacral Therapy for Pregnancy

When it comes to pregnancy, there are three main benefits of using craniosacral therapy:

  1. Maternal Wellness

  2. Pelvic Pain

  3. Inducing Labor

Now, let's take a look at each of these three situations where craniosacral therapy can be helpful for a pregnant woman as she progresses on the journey to meeting her child and becoming a mother...

Maternal Wellness

According to one study, if a pregnant mother becomes ill during her pregnancy, it can have an impact on the cerebrospinal fluid as well as the rhythm and flow of the fluid in the craniosacral system. If you have experienced a cold, flu or other illness while pregnant, the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord may experience:

  1. Blockages

  2. Restrictions

  3. A different rhythm and flow

If the brain of a pregnant woman does have any such blockages or restrictions, it can lead to a number of challenges including:

  1. Respiratory difficulties

  2. Asthma

  3. Emotional upset

  4. Fetal wrong positioning within the pelvis (breech, although some consider breech positioning a different type of normal)

By choosing to find a craniosacral therapy practitioner who has experience and knowledge of treating pregnancy, you can experience the benefits this therapy can have in alleviating and reducing these four types of challenges.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can be prevalent and uncomfortable during pregnancy. It can also be present after pregnancy. Using craniosacral therapy during this time can be beneficial for alleviating the pain.

Inducing Labor

Sometimes craniosacral therapy is needed to induce labor. Craniosacral therapy offers a way of naturally and holistically helping the labor induction process.

Cost

The average price per session in the United States is $70-$170. When pregnant, you will want to discuss if the practitioner has prenatal experience or training. This factor may make their rate slightly higher than the average in your particular city. It is also important to note that some practitioners may offer discounts or packages for prenatal care treatments. For more information, read: How Much Does Craniosacral Therapy Cost?

Wait, what about after your baby is born?

Did you know that craniosacral therapy can be helpful for newborns and infants? Find out how in our guide: Craniosacral Therapy for Infants

References:

Applications of CranioSacral Therapy in Newborns and ... (n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2019, from https://www.iahe.com/docs/articles/massagetoday.com-applications-of-craniosacral-therapy-in-newborns-and-infants-part-i-1511268210.pdf

Elden, H., Ostgaard, H., Glantz, A., Marciniak, P., Linner, A., & Olsen, M. F. (2013). Effects of craniosacral therapy as an adjunct to standard treatment for pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women: A multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 92(7), 775-782. doi:10.1111/aogs.12096. Retrieved April 4, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23369067

Pregnancy and CranioSacral Therapy - iahe.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2019, from https://www.iahe.com/docs/articles/Pregnancy_and_CranioSacral_Therapy.pdf