Chiropractic Care
Relieving Pregnancy-Related Discomfort
You may have heard women complain about low back pain, sore hips, or sciatic pain during their pregnancy. You may have experienced some of these symptoms yourself. Recent studies suggest nearly half of all expectant women will experience one or more of these symptoms during her pregnancy. Most women believe this is “part of pregnancy”. While pain during pregnancy may be very common, it is not normal. Many women will experience occasional discomfort, especially after the baby has a growth spurt or if they over exert themselves. But frequent pain that affects a woman’s ability to exercise, work, or take care of her other children does not have to be part of the experience.
Very early in pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. This will change the posture throughout her spine, increasing the curves of her upper and lower back. Although a woman's pelvis has enough room to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the weight exerts a downward, forward pull on the lower spine. Increasing breast size in preparation for lactation can create upper back strain. The baby’s increasing size expands the ribcage, putting stress on the joints of the ribs and middle back.
During pregnancy your body secretes a hormone called relaxin, which loosens ligaments. Relaxin is necessary to allow a woman’s pelvis to expand enough for a baby to pass through during birth. However, this increased mobility may exaggerate the effects of an existing problem in the spine or pelvis. It may also lead to pain in areas that have previously been pain free.
This combination of factors can really do a number on your body during pregnancy! Chiropractic adjustments can help keep a woman’s pelvis and spine balanced, thereby preventing areas of tension, excessive mobility, or pain. In addition, your chiropractor will educate you on the best ways to support your spine while working, sitting, and sleeping. She will also help you develop an appropriate exercise plan to keep you active and moving throughout your pregnancy. Along with good nutrition and proper sleep, you now have a recipe for a healthy, enjoyable pregnancy.
Additional Benefits
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can not only help you to stay more comfortable, but can also help to facilitate your birth. Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the length of time a woman labors. First time moms averaged a 24% shorter labor, while mothers who have already given birth experienced a 39% reduction in the average labor length, compared to controls. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also help to ensure optimal fetal positioning. A specific chiropractic technique known as the Webster Technique can help a baby that is breech or posterior get into the preferred head down position.
Gentle and Effective
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for both Mom and baby. Due to relaxin, most pregnant women’s bodies are very receptive to chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care is an attractive natural option to women during their pregnancy, as they are usually trying to avoid prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. As your pregnancy advances, some chiropractic techniques will need to be modified for your comfort. A chiropractor who has experience treating pregnant women is aware of this and will make the necessary changes. In particular, special pregnancy pillows or tables with movable pieces are used to accommodate your growing belly. A chiropractor trained in the Webster Technique will check for misalignment of the pelvic bones, misalignment of the sacrum and vertebrae, and spasm of the ligaments that support the uterus and help hold the pelvis together. Regular chiropractic adjustments can safely continue up until the time of birth.
Prenatal Chiropractic Care can…
- Reduce symptoms associated with pregnancy: low back pain, sciatic pain, hip pain, headaches, heartburn and constipation, pubic symphysis pain
- Correct vertebral misalignment and relieve pressure with gentle and effective adjustments
- Help ensure that pelvic bones are properly aligned, facilitating a quicker, easier delivery
- Re-establish the natural position and mobility of the joints
- Provide freedom from interference of normal nerve energy which is vital for the development of a healthy baby and mother
Postpartum Care
Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the six to eight weeks following labor and delivery, relaxin levels will drop and the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. This is an ideal period to make changes in the woman’s spine and pelvis. Any joint problems brought on during pregnancy should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state to prevent any long-term issues. Chiropractic adjustments can also relieve the neck pain and shoulder tension many women experience post partum.