Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care
Most people don’t see the connection between chiropractic and pregnancy. However, talk to mothers who have experienced pregnancies with and without chiropractic care and the consensus is: chiropractic care makes pregnancy and delivery easier and faster.
The biggest concern expressed by pregnant mothers is, “Will chiropractic care hurt my baby?” In a word, no.
This baseless concern is spread by those who don’t understand how chiropractic works, why chiropractic can be so helpful or how chiropractic adjustments are delivered to an expectant mother. There are four stages in which chiropractic care can be useful.
Pre-Conception
Your nervous system controls and regulates every cell, tissue and organ of your body. We (chiropractors) locate interferences to this brain-to-body and body-to-brain communication. The moving bones along the spinal column are common culprits.
Infertile couples are often found to have neurological compromise in their lower spine, compromising the function of their reproductive organs. Restore nervous system communications and voila! The results are a more regular menstrual cycle, optimal uterine function, and restored fertility.
Pregnancy
During the course of your pregnancy, regular chiropractic care can be helpful in many ways:
- Maintain ligament flexibility
- Promote proper balance
- Reduce low back pain
- Increased energy and vitality
Chiropractic care can help your baby too. When your growing baby is comfortable it can assume the optimal birthing position. As you get closer to the big day, if we see the baby is presenting breech, or in any position other than vertex (head down), it may indicate intrauterine constraint and the presence of sacral subluxation. When we correct this common problem, the baby can assume the proper position. It’s something we see all the time.
Labor and Birth
Mothers who get adjusted during the birth process seem to require less intervention. When the mother remains relaxed and supple, the baby can move more easily through the birth canal. This often translates into shorter labor times. One study revealed that women receiving chiropractic care enjoyed 24-39 percent shorter labors. Plus, with sacroiliac joints of the pelvis functioning more normally, less “back labor” is reported.
After Birth
Even natural births can stress a baby’s spine. Breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side or the other.
Birth trauma can often show up as colic, poor eating habits or sleep cycles. Several studies have shown chiropractic care helpful in cases of infantile colic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will adjustments hurt my baby?
Of course not. This is a common concern among parents who mistakenly think their child will receive adjustments like the ones they receive. Not only are adjusting techniques modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem, an infant’s spine rarely has the longstanding muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes the energy needed to adjust a child’s spine considerably less than an adult.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
Will my medical doctor approve?
The judgment of another health care expert is always helpful in the decision-making process. Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest pediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.
What does my spine have to do with my baby?
Pregnancy may be one of the best times to receive chiropractic care! While it’s always good to have an optimally functioning nervous system, it’s especially helpful during this period of life. Both mother and baby can benefit. Adjusting methods are adapted to a mother’s size, weight and condition. During this period of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care. Studies and reports on chiropractic care during pregnancy show that women experience shorter and easier births putting less stress on the baby.
Having an optimally working nervous system, especially when you’re pregnant, is important. It creates the best environment for your baby to realize his or her fullest potential.