Babies and Backaches

American Fitness, Jan, 1999

Studies show more than 50% of pregnant women have back pain that can last up to six months after delivery and nearly 80% report tension headaches, especially in the first trimester. According to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, osteopathic manipulation (which can be performed throughout a woman's pregnancy) provides pain relief without medication.

Backaches and headaches occur when the uterus expands, abdominal muscles lose their tone and hormonal changes temporarily loosen ligaments and tendons that support the back. Consequently, the body shifts its center of gravity. A weight gain of 30 pounds can also cause stress that increases the pain. To relieve strain, an osteopath stretches the spasming muscles. Such a treatment takes approximately 10 minutes to perform.