Pregnancy Care

CHIROPRACTIC CARE MAKES FOR EASIER PREGNANCY 

During pregnancy, the body undergoes several physiological and endocrinological changes that result in spinal and pelvic misalignment. Hormones loosen the ligaments in the mother’s body combined with a lowered center of gravity and the baby’s added weight can create great physical stress for the mother. Aside from being painful and generally uncomfortable for the mother, this can also result in several complications during delivery. According to research, 50% of all expectant women suffer back pain during their pregnancy period. 50 to 75% of the women suffer back pain through labor as well as delivery. 21% of the women seek medical care regarding neck pain. These statistics may not be perfect, but they indicate the need for chiropractic care during pregnancy. We believe that it is extremely important, to both you and your baby, that you receive regular chiropractic care throughout your entire pregnancy. Most chiropractors have observed that pregnant women feel much better during their pregnancy with regular visits to a chiropractor.   

PRENATAL CHIROPRACTIC CARE IS SAFE 

While some chiropractors have additional certification in prenatal chiropractic care, all chiropractors are trained to treat pregnant women safely and effectively. 

Any chiropractor trained in pregnancy chiropractic care will use a special chiropractic table that accounts for the physical changes that occur during pregnancy in the female body. They will also know to keep a patient from lying flat on her back during pregnancy and will have her lie on her side as an alternative. 

If you have any questions or concerns about chiropractic care during your pregnancy, talk with your chiropractor as well as your primary doctor. They will both be able to answer your questions and help you determine the correct solution. 

Chiropractic Care While Pregnant: 3rd Trimester 

The third trimester usually brings its own set of challenges. Many women experience a lot of hip and back pain, which is due to the relaxin hormone. Hormonal factors can also increase pronation. The hormone relaxin increases the elasticity of connective tissues. As a result, the plantar fascia, the plantar capsular, and the plantar ligamentous fibers soften and elongate. 

The softening and elongation leads to dropped arches of the foot. The pronated feet are more likely to occur during pregnancy along with an increase of weight distribution on the feet as well as the anterior shift of the weight-bearing line. In light of these events, more women have been seeking chiropractic care. 

There are specific manipulative procedures your doctor of chiropractic would focus on during the third trimester to get your body in good shape for labor and delivery. Strengthening your pelvic floor is one of the primary objectives. This minimizes the stress put on the pelvic muscles during pregnancy and increases circulation to your vaginal area. 

This speeds healing after birth and helps your pelvic floor return to its pre-pregnancy state. You will need to continue with chiropractic care are after you give birth to continue to strengthen your pelvic muscles. You can also engage in fitness exercises, such as pelvic tilts to strengthen your core and ease back pain during pregnancy and labor. 

However, the two biggest benefits of prenatal chiropractic care involve making delivery as easy for the mother as possible. They are restoring pelvic balance and maximizing room for the baby in the womb.