During pregnancy, a woman’s body and emotions change a lot, and many women make it a goal to deal with their discomfort. Chiropractic care, which focuses on keeping the spine, muscles, bones, and alignment in good shape without surgery or drugs, is a non-invasive way to make pregnancy more comfortable. Here is what you need to know about adding chiropractic care to your health plan while you are pregnant.
Understanding the Benefits
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Alleviating Back Pain: As your belly grows, your centre of gravity shifts, which can put stress on your spine. Regular adjustments can help manage back pain by properly aligning your spine and pelvis. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can provide significant relief from low back pain during pregnancy.[1] Another study in the same journal reported that 94% of pregnant patients who received chiropractic care experienced relief from back pain.[2]
- Improving Pelvic Balance: Chiropractic care can help maintain pelvic balance, which may provide your baby with as much space as possible over the course of your pregnancy. This can lead to a smoother and quicker delivery process. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published a study that found chiropractic care can help maintain pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy, which may facilitate an easier delivery.[3] Another study in the same journal reported an 82% success rate in turning breech babies using the Webster Technique, a chiropractic method for optimising pelvic balance.[4]
- Reducing Pregnancy Symptoms: Treatments can also help reduce symptoms like nausea and relieve tension or pain in the neck and shoulders.
- Enhancing Overall Well-being: By optimising nerve function through spinal alignment, chiropractic care supports the body’s natural ability to heal and function, which is crucial during pregnancy.
Is It Safe?
Pregnant mothers-to-be can rest assured that it’s safe and appropriate to have chiropractic care during their pregnancy, as long as the chiropractor has experience with prenatal care. Engage with the team at Active Health Co. Tell your chiropractor that you are pregnant so that they can change how they work and avoid any methods that aren’t comfortable or appropriate for you during pregnancy, such as lying on your stomach during later trimesters.
What to Expect During a Session
During a chiropractic session, the chiropractor will use techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on your abdomen. These may include:
- Special tables designed to accommodate a pregnant woman’s body, these tables ensure comfort and safety during the adjustment process.
- Pregnancy – specific techniques, Chiropractors trained in prenatal care use gentle, non-invasive techniques that are safe for both mother and baby.
Choosing the Right Chiropractor
It is critical to find a chiropractor who understands the changes that pregnancy brings and who has experience caring for pregnant women. As with all of our clients at Active Health Co., we will tailor the care and recommendations to each individual.
Chiropractic care can be a very helpful addition to your prenatal care. It can help you deal with pain and get your body ready for birth. You can have a more comfortable pregnancy if you find the right care provider who understands your needs.
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[1] Lisi, A. J. (2006). Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 51(1), e7-e10.
[2] Borggren, C. L. (2007). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6(2), 70-74.
[3] Ohm, J., & Wenger, H. A. (2008). Chiropractic management of pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(9), 655-661.
[4] Pistolese, R. A. (2002). The Webster technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 25(6), e1-e9.
