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Shortness of Breath in Pregnancy
There are several factors related to shortness of breath during pregnancy. Osteopathic treatment can help your body adjust to some of these changes, allowing an easier more efficient breath.
Shortness of Breath in Pregnancy
An estimated 60-70% of women experience shortness of breath during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester.
There are several factors related to shortness of breath during pregnancy. Osteopathic treatment can help your body adjust to some of these changes, allowing an easier more efficient breath.
Factors to consider:
Uterine distension
Changes in lung volume
Altered thoracic biomechanics
Elevation of the diaphragm
Increased progesterone
Uterine distension from a growing baby causes gradual changes in lung volume due to altered thoracic biomechanics and elevation of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of your lungs. It is the principle muscle of breathing and has attachments to the xiphoid process (the bottom of the sternum), the inner costal cartilages of ribs 6 to 10, the arcuate ligament and the lumbar spine. During pregnancy the diaphragm moves up approximately 4 cm from its normal position which leads to mild compression of the lungs. Hormonal changes can also contribute with an increase in progesterone, resulting in a deeper breath.
How can your osteopath help?
Osteopathic treatment may involve joint articulation of the thoracic spine and rib cage to release any restrictions. The diaphragm muscle can be released directly or indirectly to improve function. Osteopathy in the cranial field restores balance to the whole body including the sympathetic nervous system and nerve supply to the diaphragm.
What can you do?
Being mindful of your posture through pregnancy (avoid slouching)
Pillow props in bed or at rest
Diaphragmatic Breathing or (belly breathing)
Stress management including meditation/mindfulness practice
For example Insight Timer Meditation: Breathe to Relax during pregnancy, April Lovett
Listen to your body, don’t overexert yourself if you are feeling short of breath.
If you need more help with managing shortness of breath during pregnancy make an appointment with your osteopath
Read more about osteopathy and pregnancy
osteopaths near me
Dr. Michelle Sherriff consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group
127 Percy Street, Portland, Victoria
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Osteopaths are interested in the function of your diaphragm because of it's various attachments and influence on thoracic respiration and mobility. Treating the diaphragm with osteopathy has also been shown to have a positive effect on low back pain.
Osteopaths are interested in the function of your diaphragm because of it's various attachments and influence on thoracic respiration and mobility. Treating the diaphragm with osteopathy has also been shown to have a positive effect on low back pain.
Anatomy
The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of your lungs. It is the principle muscle of breathing and has attachments to the xiphoid process (the bottom of the sternum), the inner costal cartilages of ribs 6 to 10, the arcuate ligament and the lumbar spine.
Embryology (development)
The diaphragm and liver are located together during embryonic development.
Where the liver goes, so does the diaphragm. As the brain and spine extend and ascend during this process, the diaphragm is left behind in the thoracic cavity. The muscular tissue of the diaphragm will then grow towards the interior surface of the abdominal wall.
The muscular domes that rise on either side of the central tendon have the ability to push downward on the abdominal viscera - and accounts for the bulging of the upper abdomen known as the “belly breath”.
On inhalation, the diaphragm descends, allowing 3 dimensional expansion of the thoracic cage and lungs. On exhalation the diaphragm ascends.
Benefits
Learning how to diaphragmatic breathe may help;
relax and lower the harmful effects of the stress hormone cortisol on your body
Lower heart rate
Lower blood pressure
Cope with symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
Improve core muscle strength
Regulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the many processes under it’s control, including digestion.
How to do it
Lie on your back on a flat surface with your knees slightly bent and head supported. Place a pillow under your knees.
Put one hand on your chest and and one hand on your abdomen
Breathe in slowly through your nose into your abdomen. The hand on your abdomen should rise while your chest remains relatively still.
Exhale slowly with a sigh and your abdomen should fall. Try to allow a longer exhale than inhale to stimulate the parasympathetic (calming) nervous system.
Practice for 5 - 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day
osteopaths near me
Dr. Michelle Sherriff consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group
127 Percy Street, Portland, Victoria
References: Bryan Freeman Embryology Lecture Series
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Including Specific Diaphragm Techniques Improves Pain and Disability in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial.
Martí-Salvador M1, Hidalgo-Moreno L1, Doménech-Fernández J2, Lisón JF3, Arguisuelas MD4.
Yoga Anatomy: Kaminoff, L., Mathews, A., 2nd Ed.
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