Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often one of the happiest times in a family’s life. However, due to the nature of growing a child within your womb, the body also undergoes several significant physical changes. The body’s ability to foster life comes with compromises to a mother’s body which can cause discomfort and pain in the back and neck. Additionally, since the fetus is vulnerable to many medications, mothers are often hesitant to take medication to alleviate their discomfort.
Chiropractic appointments can be a solution to your back health during pregnancy since there are no contraindications for chiropractic care during pregnancy. This means that chiropractic care should always be considered an option for expectant mothers to support their health and overall comfort throughout their pregnancy.
Find a Licensed Chiropractor
Chiropractors often specialize in specific issues related to your spinal health. However, all licensed chiropractors are required to complete education that specifically relates to women who need prenatal and postnatal care. Some chiropractors even specialize in the treatment of pregnant women and complete additional classes specifically related to this population.
Chiropractors who specifically work with pregnant women may also have additional equipment or tables that are specifically designed for the comfort and safety of a mother and her unborn child. There are also specific exercises and stretches that are safe for different stages of pregnancy that your chiropractor can review with you.
Why Pregnant Women Should Use a Chiropractor
The changes that occur during pregnancy can often lead to several issues that affect your back health. Some of these changes lead to pelvic misalignments, spinal compensation for a protruding abdomen, and poor posture changes.
The pelvis can often become misaligned during pregnancy which can, unfortunately, be uncomfortable for the mother and reduce the available space for the baby. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the pelvis in order to alleviate pain and restore the size of the womb for the fetus as well as help during the baby’s delivery.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
There are several benefits of receiving chiropractic care for the duration of your pregnancy, and even after your baby has been born.
Chiropractic care can:
Reduce the effects of morning sickness
Relieve pain associated with pregnancy in your neck and back
Help prevent a Cesarean
Reduce the amount of time in labor and delivery
Have a healthier overall pregnancy
Reduce a mother’s recovery time
Preventing Breech Presentation
Typically, while a baby is in the womb, it is in a breech presentation. Physicians aren't usually concerned with the baby’s position until about 37 weeks of pregnancy. Approximately four percent of deliveries present in a breech position, which is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Chiropractors are trained in a technique known as the Webster technique which aims to properly align and balance the pelvis specifically for the delivery of the baby. A balanced pelvis helps to reduce stress on the uterus and surrounding ligaments.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published a study that found that the Webster technique helped to correct breech presentation in 82% of cases. The report also found that the Webster technique could be used as soon as the eighth month of pregnancy if a woman's baby is in a breech presentation.
It is essential to develop a relationship with your chiropractor early so that they understand your specific case and can respond according to your needs.
Overview
Chiropractic care is one option that many expectant mothers have used to reduce several health and comfort issues associated with pregnancy. If you are pregnant and would like to know more about the benefits of chiropractic care during your pregnancy, contact a chiropractor today to discuss your options.
