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

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Supplementary material

Other Title

Authors

Kurth, Anna

Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)

Degree

Master of Osteopathy

Grantor

Unitec Institute of Technology

Date

2011

Supervisors

Niven, Elizabeth
Roy, Dianne

Type

Masters Thesis

Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)

Keyword

pregnancy
childbirth
osteopathic medicine
attitudes

Citation

Kurth, A. (2011). Women’s attitudes to and experiences of osteopathic care during pregnancy. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Osteopathy). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/1919

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.

Publisher

Link to ePress publication

DOI

Copyright holder

Author

Copyright notice

All rights reserved

Copyright license

Available online at