Infertility can be one of the most heartbreaking and frustrating situations to endure, and the causes of it can be very complex. The body must be well-balanced, with its multiple systems functioning in harmony, for conception and a healthy pregnancy to happen.
An often overlooked opportunity to enhance the body’s reproductive powers is to improve postural alignment. Posture directly affects not only the skeletal system but also positively or negatively impacts internal organ function. Because it strongly contributes to the health of the whole body, balanced postural alignment is an important element in becoming pregnant, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and optimizing the chances of a healthy, natural labor.
A major factor in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth experience is directly related to posture: the position of the pelvis. The position of the pelvic bones helps determine muscular tone of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor, in turn, helps properly support the uterus and bladder, which are placed under increased stress during pregnancy. This support helps the body recover after birth and decreases the risk of post-partum bladder and sexual dysfunction issues.
Pelvic alignment is also a critical factor in how the labor process develops. During the birth process, a neutral pelvis ensures the opening for the baby is in an accessible position. Abnormalities in pelvic position make the birth process longer and more difficult and, unfortunately, sometimes prevent a natural birth altogether.
Healthy overall skeletal alignment also helps a woman’s pregnancy progress more smoothly and comfortably. Pain-related complaints such as low-back pain, sciatica, hip pain, and rib pain are common during pregnancy. These typically have an underlying skeletal alignment issue that can be addressed with postural exercises. If a woman has taken care of her posture before conceiving, very often these complaints are greatly diminished or avoided altogether.
How does one improve posture, then? While you can momentarily straighten your back or throw back your shoulders, this does not correct deeply ingrained postural habits. It is necessary to re-train the muscles and nervous system, and an effective way to do this is with posture therapy. Posture therapy uses strengthening exercises and stretches to undo old postural habits. This is not an overnight process, but it can have profound payoffs that make it well worth the effort.
Throughout all stages of the fertility and pregnancy process, posture increases the chances of a positive and healthy outcome. Reproductive capacity is directly related to overall health, and addressing poor posture can greatly enhance efforts to add a child to your family. Posture therapy can be an excellent addition to an acupuncture and herbal regimen as an investment in yourself and in your family’s future.
The tools of Norah’s practice all respect the body’s amazing natural ability to heal if given the correct support and stimulus. Norah treats a wide range of health concerns including fertility issues, gynecological complaints, digestive and respiratory dysfunction, various types of pain, eating disorders, and anxiety.