Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Pregnancy

Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Spectrum Health - Lakeland
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) can make childbirth easier and safer for pregnant women in their third trimester. OMT is a hands-on therapy technique that addresses body imbalances, relieves pain, and improves circulation. The trial aims to determine if OMT can shorten labor, reduce the need for painkillers, and lower the risk of certain delivery complications, such as c-sections. Pregnant women who are at least 34 weeks along, planning to deliver at specific hospitals, and comfortable with the treatment may be suitable candidates for this study. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures how well OMT works in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important findings.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment is safe for pregnancy?

Research has shown that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is safe for pregnant women and their babies. Studies have found that OMT during pregnancy is usually well-tolerated, helping to relieve pain and improve body function without major side effects. For instance, one study found that OMT did not increase risks for pregnant women or their babies, even when mothers had other health conditions.

While research continues to explore its benefits during pregnancy, current evidence suggests that OMT is a safe option for those considering it.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for pregnancy because it offers a hands-on, drug-free approach to managing discomfort and enhancing overall well-being for expectant mothers. Unlike standard care options like medication or physical therapy, OMT involves gentle manipulation of the body’s muscles and joints to improve structural alignment and function. This technique aims to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote natural bodily processes, which could be particularly beneficial in the later stages of pregnancy. By potentially improving comfort and reducing complications without medication, OMT presents an appealing alternative for pregnant women seeking non-invasive treatment options.

What evidence suggests that Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment is effective for improving delivery outcomes during pregnancy?

Research has shown that Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which participants in this trial may receive, can reduce pain and improve movement during the last trimester of pregnancy. One study found that OMT effectively eases lower back pain and enhances the quality of life for pregnant women. OMT is also considered safe and may assist with labor and delivery by reducing the need for pain medication and the likelihood of a cesarean section. However, evidence on its effects on labor duration and other delivery outcomes remains mixed, indicating a need for further research. Overall, OMT offers a drug-free way to potentially ease pregnancy-related discomforts and improve delivery experiences.36789

Who Is on the Research Team?

EP

Eric Pearson

Principal Investigator

Corewell Health Lakeland

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I am pregnant and between 18-34 years old.
I am at least 34 weeks pregnant.
I will be giving birth at Corewell Health South Saint Joseph or Niles hospitals.
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) during the third trimester of pregnancy

6-8 weeks
Weekly visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for delivery outcomes including labor duration, analgesic use, and incidence of adverse events

Upon delivery

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: OMT InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Control GroupExperimental Treatment0 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Spectrum Health - Lakeland

Lead Sponsor

Trials
14
Recruited
1,300+

Corewell Health South

Lead Sponsor

Citations

Pregnancy Research on Osteopathic Manipulation ...

To evaluate the efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to reduce low back pain and improve functioning during the third trimester in pregnancy ...

The PROMOTE Study

PROMOTE Study: Safety of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. During the Third Trimester by Labor and Delivery Outcomes. J. Am Osteopath Assoc 2016; 116(11):698- ...

Study of the Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative ...

High risk pregnancy; Previous use of chiropractic manipulation, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), physical therapy, or therapeutic ...

The Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in ...

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) has been proposed as a safe and non-invasive approach to improving these conditions during pregnancy.

Influence of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on the ...

Influence of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on the Quality of Life and the Intensity of Lumbopelvic Pain in Pregnant Women in the Third ...

6.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27802555/

PROMOTE Study: Safety of Osteopathic Manipulative ...

Background: Few quality data exist on the safety of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) during pregnancy. The Pregnancy Research on ...

Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on maternal-fetal ...

The study responses attest to the safety of using the osteopathic manipulative treatment for the fetus and for pregnant women with comorbidities ...

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Third Trimester ...

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) is a hands-on approach to treating conditions that affect all areas of the body. Physicians trained in OMT (Doctors ...

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) during labor ...

This paper reports the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as an aid to labor and delivery in a woman desiring a natural childbirth.