Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often one of the happiest times in any family’s lives. 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, and these changes can cause discomfort and pain in the back and neck. Additionally, because the fetus is vulnerable to several medications, mothers are often hesitant to take medication to alleviate their discomfort.

Chiropractic appointments can be a solution to your back health during pregnancy. In fact, there are no contraindications for chiropractic care during pregnancy. This means that chiropractic care should always be considered for expectant mothers to promote their health throughout pregnancy.
 

Find a Licensed Chiropractor

Chiropractors may 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 that 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. You can also ask your chiropractor to review specific exercises or stretches that are safe for different stages of pregnancy.
 

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. Unfortunately, these misalignments can be uncomfortable for the mother and reduce the available space for the baby. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the pelvis. This will alleviate the pain and restore the size of the womb for the fetus. Proper pelvic alignment will help 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.
 

• 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 breech presentation. Your physician is usually not concerned with the baby’s position until about 37 weeks or pregnancy. Approximately four percent of deliveries present in a breech position. This position is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Chiropractors are trained in a technique known as the Webster technique. The Webster technique 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 is in breech presentation.

It is essential to develop a relationship early with your chiropractor 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.