Chiropractic and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes to create a healthy environment for the developing baby. These rapid changes often cause discomfort and pain for the mother-to-be and could even cause complications during delivery. With gentle adjustments, customized exercises, and body-alignment techniques, chiropractic helps reduce unpleasant symptoms felt during pregnancy, creates a more comfortable environment for both mother and child, and prepares the body for optimal delivery.
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Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy
Reduce Pain
Pain is often experienced during pregnancy due to the significant shifts occurring as the body accommodates the baby and prepares for delivery. This pain can be caused by changes to:
- Hormones – The body releases the hormone relaxin to specifically loosen the ligaments and joints in the pelvis to prepare for delivery. However, this hormone also affects other areas of the body, which can cause a lack of stability and discomfort.
- Posture – Expansion of the belly causes many women to tilt backwards to accommodate their new center of gravity. This increases the curve of the lower spine, which can lead to significant pain in the low back and hips.
- Weight – Muscles must now support additional weight gained in the abdominal area and breasts. Neck and upper back pain are often experienced as the muscles adjust to balance the extra weight and the weight shifts caused by altered posture.
Going to a prenatal chiropractor near you can help alleviate the pain and unpleasant symptoms that occur due to these changes, such as:
- Low back pain
- Sciatic nerve pain
- Migraines
- Indigestion
- Nausea
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to restore balance in the pelvis and improve the brain-body connection to allow for optimal function and movement. Spinal adjustments and chiropractic techniques align the nervous system to improve physiology for both mom and baby.
Reduce risk
When the pelvis is out of alignment, it may reduce the amount of space available for the growing fetus. This can make it difficult for the baby to get in a good position for delivery and increases the chance of the baby moving into a breech position. Chiropractic care can reduce the risk of needing a C-section, as the adjustments made by a chiropractor increase space in the pelvic areas to allow the baby to move into the correct position prior to delivery.
Encourage Healthy Delivery
Chiropractic has been shown to reduce labor delivery times. It can also protect against dystocia, which is difficult labor that can be caused by uterine dysfunction, pelvic contraction or misalignment, and baby malposition.
The Webster Technique
Many of our chiropractors are certified in the Webster Technique—a specific chiropractic adjustment used to create an optimal environment for the mother and baby. Learn more about this comprehensive approach to chiropractic and how it can help.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy?
Going to the chiropractor is considered a safe and effective method of healthcare during and after pregnancy. Call your local MCR Chiropractic office to schedule your appointment with a chiropractor near you.