Not only is pregnancy-related chiropractic care safe, but it is also necessary. Prenatal chiropractic care reduces pain, improves your posture during your pregnancy, and prepares your body for an easier, possibly less painful birth.

7 Goal And Benefits Of Chiropractic Care During Your Pregnancy

• Realigning your pelvic joints makes for easier contractions during birth.

• Properly aligned pelvic joints ensures the baby has the best possible chance to get into the optimum position for an easier delivery.
• A correctly aligned pelvis will go a long way to preventing pelvic-related complications during birth.
• A precisely aligned spine could reduce the length of your labour.
• A well-aligned spine means you can focus on giving birth.
• When you are not suffering from sciatica, neck pain, or joint discomfort, you will have less need of pain killers.
• There have been some reports that chiropractic care also reduces morning sickness and nausea.

Can Your Spine Move Out Of Alignment During Pregnancy?

Yes, it can. Many pregnant women suffer from pain during pregnancy thanks to the significant changes her body goes through. At birth, babies usually weigh between 5 lb / 2.26 kg to 8 lb / 3.6 kgs, while their uterus weighs 2 lb / 1 kg. Having to carry an increasing weight in front of you for nine months will cause bones to move, ligaments to stretch, and your hormones to go wild, affecting more than just mood swings. The hormone relaxin’s job is to prepare the body for giving birth by softening both ligaments and joints, especially in your pelvis, to make room for that potentially 8 lb / 3.6 kg baby to pass through safely.

The result of that spinal movement, and stretching ligaments is pain, unsteadiness, and a change in posture, all of which puts stress on your joints, lower back, hips, and knees, making pregnancy extremely uncomfortable as it progresses. 

Regular chiropractic sessions throughout your pregnancy can provide a better spinal alignment and lessen the amount of strain your spine and muscles are under.

What Treatments Does A Chiropractor Use For Assisting Pregnant Women?

Naturally, pregnancy-related chiropractic care differs from ordinary chiropractic care. Both mother and baby need to be accommodated during the manipulations. The goal is a more comfortable pregnancy for each of them. Every technique a prenatal chiropractic care provider uses is gentle. They are specifically designed for pregnant women. Undue pressure is never placed on their abdomen.

The First Trimester – Light Spinal Manipulations, Soft Tissue Therapy

The focus of these techniques in the first trimester is your posture, and any muscular tension you may be experiencing. The goal is to provide support for the initial adjustments your body needs to make to carry the growing baby. The first signs of pregnancy discomfort include lower back pain and nausea. Maintaining your proper posture and reducing any muscular tension helps your body ready itself for the more dramatic changes to come.

The Second Trimester – The Webster Technique, Pelvic Blocking

In the second trimester, the chiropractor will focus on aligning your pelvis and easing your lower back pain. The Webster technique uses gentle adjustments and soft tissue work to stabilise your spine and pelvis. Another benefit of this technique is that it can create more room in the uterus for the baby to rotate and be in the correct position for birth.

The Third Trimester – Gentle Spinal Adjustments, Pelvic Stabilisation

Poor pelvic alignment can result in contractions and delivery being more difficult and more painful than necessary. Gentle spinal adjustments and pelvic stabilisation is the focus for the chiropractor in this trimester. Low-force techniques, avoiding pressure on the abdomen, are used.

5 Things To Look Out For During Chiropractic Care If You Are Pregnant

You can expect to experience temporary, mild soreness or discomfort after treatment by a chiropractor even if you’re not pregnant.

• Always consult your doctor before embarking on chiropractic care if you are pregnant.
• If you already have a chiropractor, make sure they are specially trained in prenatal care. Don’t be embarrassed to ask. If they are not, ask for a recommendation.
• Make sure your chiropractor only uses gentle techniques. No forceful manipulations, and no pressure on your abdomen. Ask them to explain exactly what they are going to do before they do it. If you are concerned, talk to them first. Remember, you can change your mind about chiropractic care at any time.
• If you feel any discomfort during the treatment, tell your chiropractor immediately.
• Don’t come to the chiropractor if you are experiencing any bleeding. Go straight to your doctor.

If you have any concerns about pain you might be experiencing during your pregnancy, first consult your doctor. Depending on their diagnosis and approval, contact your chiropractor for those gentle manipulations and treatment.

Yours in health,
Dr. Monica and Helen