Exercise During Pregnancy January 23, 2004 As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. In addition, pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones to accommodate the growing baby, but can also predispose some women to more postural imbalances and related aches and pains. Many women will develop these problems in the lower back and sacral area due to the increased postural tension of the frontal weight gain and stress placed on the low back and related looser ligaments. Steps you can take to help prevent and minimize problems include the following. Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen your muscles and prevent discomfort. Check with your primary care physician, physical therapist,obstetrics team or your chiropractor about safe exercises in relation to what type of exercise you were doing or not doing before you were pregnant. Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations. Making sure your caloric intake is appropriate for pregnancy with the proper amount of protein and foods containing calcium will ensure that your muscles and ligaments stay strong and supportive in addition to providing the necessary nutrition for your developing baby. Remember your prenatal vitamins, which are extremely important for the same reasons mentioned above. Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic can also be a tremendous help after childbirth.
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