Your lower back aches by mid-afternoon. Your neck and shoulders are tight from sleeping propped on pillows, or from hours of feeding and carrying once the baby has arrived. You’d like some hands-on help, and you’d like to know it’s safe.
Osteopathy can be adapted for every stage of pregnancy and for the months after birth.
Does this sound familiar?
- Low back pain that builds through the day as your bump grows
- Aching between the shoulder blades or around the ribs
- Neck and shoulder tension from feeding, carrying and broken sleep
- General aches and stiffness, and difficulty getting comfortable
- A back that has not felt right since the birth
How osteopathy can help
As pregnancy progresses your posture and the load on your back change, and after birth your body is recovering while doing a lot of lifting, bending and carrying. Osteopathic treatment uses gentle hands-on techniques for the joints and muscles, with advice on positions, movement and simple exercises you can do at home.
Many women find it eases back pain and general aches and helps them move more comfortably. Osteopathy treats the aches and pains that come with pregnancy and early parenthood. It doesn’t treat pregnancy itself or your baby, and it isn’t a replacement for your midwife or GP.
When another clinician is a better fit
Some problems are better seen by our women’s health physiotherapist, Jodie Pargeter, and we’ll point you to her if so:
- Pain at the front of the pelvis or deep in the buttocks when walking or turning in bed, which may be pelvic girdle pain. See pregnancy physiotherapy.
- Leaking, heaviness or other pelvic floor symptoms
- A postnatal check of your tummy muscles and pelvic floor, the Mummy MOT®
Your first appointment
Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes. Annabelle will ask about your pregnancy or birth, your symptoms and your general health, then look at how you move and examine your back, hips and neck. Treatment is gentle and you’ll be positioned for comfort, usually lying on your side or sitting, with pillows for support.
You’ll leave with an explanation of what’s going on and advice you can use straight away. You’re welcome to bring your baby with you.
When to call your midwife, GP or maternity unit instead
- Any bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina during pregnancy, or heavy bleeding after birth
- Your baby’s movements have slowed, stopped or changed
- Severe tummy pain, or regular tightenings before 37 weeks
- A severe headache, problems with your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- One calf that is swollen, hot and painful, or chest pain and breathlessness. Get urgent medical help.
- A fever, or a wound that is red, hot or leaking
Who you'll see
Pregnancy and postnatal osteopathy is provided by Annabelle Frost. Annabelle is a registered osteopath with a first-class Master of Osteopathy degree. She takes time to listen, explain what she finds and involve you in decisions about your care.
Annabelle Frost
Osteopath
Annabelle is a registered osteopath who graduated from the International College of Osteopathic Medicine with a first-class Master of Osteopathy degree. A keen athlete and former osteopathy patient herself, she understands how pain and injury can affect everyday life.
She takes time to listen, explain her findings and involve you in decisions about your care. Treatment can include hands-on osteopathic techniques, myofascial release, dry needling and dry cupping, alongside advice and exercises to help you stay active.
Prices and insurance
- Initial assessment and treatment (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Many of our clinicians are recognised by AXA, Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Recognition varies by clinician, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we’re most often asked about osteopathy in pregnancy and after birth.
- Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
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Yes. Treatment is adapted for pregnancy, using gentle techniques and comfortable positions. Annabelle will ask about your pregnancy and health first, and will tell you if she thinks you should speak to your midwife or GP before treatment.
- When in pregnancy can I come?
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At any stage, as long as your pregnancy is progressing normally. If you have any complications, check with your midwife first.
- How soon after the birth can I have treatment?
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When you feel ready. After a caesarean, wait until your wound has healed and you’ve been checked by your GP or midwife, usually at around six weeks.
- Can I bring my baby to the appointment?
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Yes, you’re welcome to.
- Should I see an osteopath or a women's health physiotherapist?
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For back pain and general aches, either can help. For pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor symptoms or a postnatal check, our women’s health physiotherapist is the right person. If you’re not sure, call us and we’ll help you choose.
- Do I need a GP referral?
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No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If back pain or aches are making pregnancy or life with a new baby harder, it’s worth having them looked at. Book with Annabelle online or call us on 01444 817851.
Reviewed by Annabelle Frost, osteopath, registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Last reviewed November 2026.
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