Should I Be Doing Osteopathic Exercises During Pregnancy?

By J Russell Hart

Osteopathy, a form of drug-free, manual medicine that focuses on total health through treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal system, will positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Pregnancy is a perfect time for a woman to be introduced to the practice of osteopathic medicine. This is a time of change for many women and it isn't uncommon for most to experience some lower back pain.
Pregnancy puts an enormous amount of strain upon the body, not only from weight gain but also from the changes that occur to the tendons and ligaments which support the lower back and pelvic area. The average amount of weight gain put on during pregnancy is 25 pounds and those 25 pounds are usually located directly over at the abdominal area. This puts a lot of strain on the spine and back muscles, usually resulting in lower back pain.
Other reasons for lower back pain include postural changes that occur from the growing weight of the child, hormone release that causes the ligaments in the pelvic area to become more relaxed, psychological stress the pregnancy, previous history of back pain and poor daily posture.

Doctors of osteopathy are able to give women tips and direction to decrease their lower back pain as well as exercises that will help relieve the stress on their body. Importantly, women should not get talked out of exercising. The only reason to stop exercising when pregnant is if you are on bed rest. With just several adjustments to the intensity of the workout you are doing, you are able to do your regular schedule without too much difficulty. This exercise will help improve your overall health, cardiovascular strength and get your body ready for the rigors of delivery.
Osteopaths also work with women in a natural way to decrease the stress placed on their bodies, both from the weight of the pregnancy and the emotional weight when they are adjusting to becoming parents. Massage can regularly relax and soothe tension in the lower back muscles along the spine and can be a wonderful adjunct to relieving lower back pain.
Because the practice of osteopathy is aimed at using natural and drug-free ways of dealing with illnesses and disease, a doctor of osteopathy will work with a pregnant woman to develop a well rounded and nutritious diet to keep both her and her baby well-nourished. A sensible diet that does not include the list of "do not eat" foods will help ease the burden on the body as well as on the mind.
Other advice from your osteopaths can help change your posture and help you learn to use your body correctly throughout your pregnancy. And osteopaths can not only help with lower back pain but also heal the pain from sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, wrist pain, pelvic pain and chest and neck pain. Treatments in the office will be supplemented with exercises and other forms of self-help which the pregnant woman can perform at home.
An osteopath who is working with a woman dealing with pregnancy will also recommend to her that she never bend over to pick anything up but rather squat with her back straight. Avoid wearing high heels because these put an extra strain on the lower back. Avoid sleeping on the back because it places an extra strain on the back and decreases the blood supply to the legs. Some women find any support hose will give extra stability to the lower back and find that resting occasionally during the day with the feet elevated take pressure off the lower back and reduce ankle swelling.

Doctors of osteopathy will also show women proper stretching techniques to increase the flow of blood to joints and muscles that will help decrease pain. They can also help women with relaxation techniques that assist the muscles and relaxing while being stretched to avoid any muscle injury or spasm. Many women report that they continue with these exercises well after giving birth because of the increased flexibility and decreased muscle strain they experience.

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