Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation. It is also a time of changes both physically and emotionally. Physically a woman’s posture changes as she adapts to her new weight gains and center of gravity. At the same time, a pregnant woman’s emotions, priorities, and usual daily activities begin to change or adapt to meet the needs of the new life growing inside. The good news is that a woman’s body has 9 months to adapt and change. The caveat is that if there are any imbalances in the joints of the spine and pelvis, problems may arise.
Because a woman’s center of gravity changes throughout her pregnancy, her neck, mid back, lower back and pelvis will endure increased stress and strain. It may become even more problematic when a woman has had a lifetime of physical stressors to her spine and pelvis. Whether minor or major, these stressors negatively effect the proper alignment of the pelvis and spine. In addition, the hormone relaxin is circulating throughout the body to naturally relax ligaments for expansion. This hormone can also add to the instability of a woman’s pelvic and spinal joints. Sciatica, headaches, and back and neck pain are not enjoyable or normal for any pregnant woman to experience. These are often the results or symptoms of spinal and pelvic misalignments. These misalignments then place stress and irritation on the nervous system. A pregnant woman’s nervous system is coordinating all the impulses and messages to her developing baby in addition to her entire body. An optimally functioning nervous system free of irritation is necessary for not only her well-being, but her baby’s too.
Aches and pains are not the only issue at hand. Imbalances in the pelvis may also result in abnormal tension on the uterus and will directly affect the way the uterus will be supported. Imbalances may also compromise the optimal environment and position of the baby in utero. Misalignments of the pelvis and sacrum can place abnormal tension on uterine ligaments resulting in the term “intra-uterine constraint”. Intrauterine constraint is defined as any forces external to the developing fetus that obstructs the normal movement of the fetus. The uterus is anchored by ligaments to the pelvic bones and sacrum. Unequal ligament support may result in an improper position of the baby such as “breech” or “back labor” for the mother. In some cases, this constraint also restricts the baby's positions during pregnancy, adversely affecting his/her developing spine and cranium.
Pelvic imbalances can affect a woman’s labor and delivery. As defined by Williams Obstetrics, a medical text, “Any contraction of the pelvic diameter that diminishes the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia (difficulty) during labor. This may be due to displacement of the sacrum.” Pelvic misalignments make it harder on both baby and mother during labor. When labor becomes too difficult then interventions such as induction, epidurals, vacuum extraction, the use of forceps, or cesarean deliveries often are utilized. From a positive standpoint, interventions resulting from pelvic imbalances may be able to be prevented.
A doctor of chiropractic specializes in the detection and correction of abnormal movement and alignment of the pelvic and spinal joints. Chiropractors provide gentle motions with their hands, or sometimes, special instruments to effectively restore proper movement and balance to the spine and pelvis. Many chiropractors are certified in a special chiropractic technique, The Webster Technique, for the care of pregnant women. The Webster Technique was developed by Dr. Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), in 1978. For over 20 years, it has been highly successful in relieving the cause of intrauterine constraint and allowing babies to get into the best possible position for birth.
When there is greater balance in the spine, the spinal cord and exiting spinal nerves can regulate the muscles, tissues, and organs of the body with efficiency and ease. In other words, the body can function at its most optimal level. For a pregnant woman this translates to natural comfort, increased energy, decreased pain, an optimal environment for baby, and a safer and easier labor. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy assists a woman’s body in dealing with postural changes and increased demands. Research from the Journal of Manipulative Therapy demonstrated that 84% of patients receiving chiropractic adjustments reported relief of back pain during pregnancy and that there was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy.
The goal of every pregnant woman, whether it is her first birth or her tenth, is to have a safe and uncomplicated delivery. What all women must know is that a balanced pelvis and sacrum will help her to reach this goal. Chiropractic care has helped thousands of women during and after their pregnancies. More and more women are including a doctor of chiropractic on their healthcare team to have the healthiest most enjoyable pregnancy possible.