It is important to have a healthy spine for proper response from all parts of your body, especially during pregnancy. Chiropractic care has a variety of health benefits for women in all stages of pregnancy, including pre-conception and post-birth. Chiropractors can assist with fertility function, aches and pains, easier labor and delivery and even breech deliveries. Chiropractic care can result in a simpler, more enjoyable pregnancy for both mother and baby.
Chiropractic care can help prepare the body to be strong, healthy and balanced throughout pregnancy. Seeing a chiropractor throughout your pregnancy can result in potential benefits such as:
Chiropractic care is a form of physical therapy for the spinal column and joints. There are no surgeries or drugs involved. The practice is focused on reducing stress on the spinal nerves, maintaining proper joint alignment, and promoting general health. As such, chiropractic treatment is typically understood as a safe and effective form of healthcare for pregnant women.
Regular chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and maintain the health of the pelvis, hips, back, and joints throughout the body. This can help facilitate a more comfortable pregnancy, and even potentially easier labor and a smoother delivery.
As with any other type of treatment, you should obtain approval from your OB-GYN before receiving chiropractic care during early pregnancy or in any trimester. Only work with a licensed chiropractor trained in the field’s updated prenatal techniques. These include the use of adjustable treatment tables to fit comfortably through all nine months of growth.
Numerous physical and hormonal changes happen throughout a pregnancy that can impact a woman’s posture and overall comfort. These significant changes can cause misalignments of joints or the spine, leading to back or joint pain. Some other body changes that can cause pregnant women discomfort and that can be alleviated through routine chiropractic care include:
Chiropractic evaluation and treatment, including therapeutic exercises, is highly effective for many people in correcting posture problems and relieving the associated pain.
Adjustments to improve balance and align the spine and pelvis can help promote a healthy pregnancy to benefit both the mother and baby.
Chiropractic evaluation and treatment including spinal adjustments and corrective exercises can help modify posture to relieve pressure on disks and pain caused by it.
In addition to alleviating joint and muscle pain, routine chiropractic care can help in controlling nausea in pregnant women.
Your chiropractor can provide you with stretches and massage therapy to relieve tension in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective membranes to relieve discomfort.
If you have been experiencing pain in your back, neck, hip, or joints during your pregnancy and are considering chiropractic treatment, consult with your OB-GYN before seeing a chiropractor. Your doctor will help you determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate during your particular pregnancy. If so, your doctor can recommend a chiropractor in your area and provide you with a referral.
Chiropractic treatment is not usually recommended for pregnant women who are experiencing one or more of these symptoms:
This procedure involves an evaluation by a chiropractor of the alignment of the sacrum and the pelvis and adjustments to reposition the sacrum into the proper alignment. Massaging and stretching the ligaments of the uterus at their points of attachment to the abdominal wall are performed as part of the Webster Technique as well.
Your OB-GYN will direct you on the best course of action if such corrective treatment is indicated in your case, and she/he will provide a referral to the appropriate care provider.
Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, can benefit from the prenatal and postnatal care of a chiropractor. Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a regular menstrual cycle optimum uterine function, and restores proper nerve function and supply to reproductive organs, thus helping infertility. During pregnancy the body goes through many changes that can result in a misaligned spine or aches and pains. By establishing proper alignment during pregnancy, women can help accommodate their growing baby, reduce aches pains, help decrease labor time and have an easier pregnancy. Chiropractic care can also help new mothers become more comfortable breastfeeding, produce more milk, and decrease postpartum depression.
It is normal to be concerned about the wellness of your baby during pregnancy. Chiropractic techniques can help mothers accommodate a healthy baby and body. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for both mother and baby.
If you are not yet familiar with chiropractic care during pregnancy, ask your health care provider about the benefits of naturally improving and promoting health and function.