Most people know that chiropractic care is a safe and gentle, drug-free way to prevent and treat neck and back pain during pregnancy but did you know that chiropractic can be an important pregnancy health tool even if you don’t have pain?
As the baby develops, pregnancy hormones cause pelvic ligaments to loosen in order to accommodate the growing baby. As the weight increases in the mother’s lower abdomen, her center of gravity begins to shift forward. This forward shift causes the pelvis to tilt forward which increases the lumbar curve. The increased “sway” in the low back leads to secondary compensations in the mother’s mid-back and neck as the body seeks to balance these pelvic and lumbar biomechanical changes. Tight and weak muscles caused by prolonged sitting, improper ergonomics at work, and sloppy lifting techniques can exacerbate these postural changes and lead to imbalance and pain. And unfortunately, a mother with a history of back pain prior to pregnancy can experience exaggerated symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments support a healthy spine by addressing these biomechanical changes caused by pregnancy. In addition, gentle adjustments to the pelvis and spine help reduce the tension on the spinal nerves caused by spinal joint dysfunction.
Pelvic misalignments can also lead to undue stress on the uterus and supporting uterine ligaments and are a key factor in “intrauterine constraint” and crowding. Chiropractors who are trained in the Webster Technique can help establish and maintain pelvic alignment and reduce muscle tension and intrauterine constraint, thereby, allowing the baby the space he or she needs to get into the optimal delivery position. A baby in the proper birth position can help decrease symptoms of dystocia (painful delivery) and help reduce the need for Cesarean intervention. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) recommends that women receive pre-natal chiropractic care to establish and maintain pelvic alignment and optimize the room for baby’s growth and development throughout the various stages of pregnancy.
During the 8 weeks following labor and delivery, the loosened ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state. Spinal and pelvic misalignments caused by postural changes resulting from awkward and heavy lifting-reaching, lifting baby in and out of cribs and strollers and carrying heavy baby accessories should be addressed.
This is important as these ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state, which helps reduce muscle spasm, back pain, sciatica, neck pain, rib and shoulder pain. Gentle chiropractic adjustments during this time also allows for less neck and upper back pain while breastfeeding.
You have to be very careful and attentive to everything you use and eat, you must ask yourself what’s in the product? Each time you decide to consume something new. In addition to getting the proper nutrition, plenty of exercise, rest, and maintaining a positive mental attitude, chiropractic care from a Pre-natal and Pediatric care specialist is an important part of your Peri-Natal healthcare routine!
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
- Overall Health and Wellbeing
- Drug-free Neck & Back Pain Management
- Optimal Position for Baby
- Easier Labor & Delivery