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Expert Q&A

	By Tracy Underwood Child and Adolescent Psychologist Children's Medical Center of Dallas

What are the exercises I can do to reduce lower back pain during pregnancy? If none, what do you recommend to strengthen my back and/or reduce my lower back pain?

When I recommend exercises, they can be done by healthy people with no restrictions from their doctor regarding exercise. The following is a basic strength recommendation for someone with a healthy back, and no pre-existing problems.

One really good exercise can be done during the full term of you pregnancy. The cross crawl. Kneel on your hands and knees on a padded surface. Tuck your pelvis slightly, moving your spine towards the ceiling. Your abdominal muscles should tighten slightly. Make an attempt to maintain this tucked position, although as your baby grows this will seem more and more difficult. Slowly, paying close attention to your balance, extend your right arm past your ears with your fingertips moving in the opposite direction of your feet. When you feel balanced, extend your left leg directly behind you while holding the right arm up as well. Breath and hold for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side, always working in opposites. You can do five on each side every other day.

Keep in touch and let me know how you feel after doing this exercise for a few weeks.

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