Benefits of Chiropractic during pregnancy

Pregnancy affects your body significantly. The uterus swells 500 times its regular size, blood volume increases by up to 50%, and the feet change shape and size.

Pregnant women definitely feel those changes.

Back pains are quite common during those 9 months too. Research has shown that around 50% of females experience back problems during pregnancy. But is there anything you can do to avoid all that pain or at least to relieve it?

Paying a visit to your local chiropractor could help you a lot.

But when is the right time to seek chiropractic help? Are there any risks you should be aware of? Here are a few things you need to know about chiropractic treatment during pregnancy.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Pregnant Women?

Childbirth is challenging both on a physical and mental level. That's why you need to be in the best shape possible during labor. Activities like yoga, pilates, and swimming can keep your body strong during pregnancy.

Exercises can leave your body aching even more. That's where chiropractors come into play. Our chiropractors perform chiropractic adjustments every day. A good percentage of the adjustments chiropractors perform is on pregnant women.

Chiropractic treatment will relieve you from any back pain. Unlike acupuncture, chiropractic treatment doesn't require any needles, which also means it's painless. It's a form of physical therapy that eases the spinal nerve stress and promotes your well-being.

Before we start talking about the benefits of the treatment, here are a few things you should be aware of before you visit your chiropractor.

Treatments Not Meant for Pregnant Women

Normal chiropractic care is safe for pregnant women. Yet some treatments are not recommended for high-risk pregnancies.

Other situations where chiropractic treatment isn't recommended include

• Vaginal hemorrhage
• Intense toxemia
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Placental abruption
• Chiropractic treatment sometimes involves medication. Some drugs used during treatment, like anti-inflammatories, are not suited for late-stage pregnancy.

Furthermore, the body can be hypersensitive during pregnancy.

You should talk to your chiropractor if there's laxity in your lower or upper ligaments. Once he's aware of that, he'll know to apply light pressure on these areas.

Every certified chiropractor is aware of the potential risks we discussed above. Nonetheless, you should still go to a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care.

With that in mind, let's talk about the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Painless Lower Back

Chronic back pain is possibly the biggest discomfort you can deal with during pregnancy. A child's kicks and turns result in compression of the pelvic sacroiliac joints and the lumbar spine. Obviously, that can lead to much discomfort.

A chiropractor will go through your medical records and perform a physical. After the checkup, they will try to figure out the best treatment for you.

They may try to bring the alignment and movement back to your joints. A chiropractor adjusts your pelvis and massages the surrounding tissue to bring the balance to the pelvic area.

These procedures will bring relief to the lower back and help ease pelvic discomfort. They also help the child descend into a perfect position to be ready for delivery.

It's also always good to talk to your doctor before opting for chiropractic care for joint, back, or hip pain.

Stabilizing and Aligning the Pelvis

The body undergoes various hormonal changes during pregnancy. For instance, your body secretes relaxin. This hormone loosens your ligaments in preparation for the child's head to fit through the pelvis.

The relaxation of joints causes pain when you are walking, rolling over the bed, or when standing up. A chiropractor will apply certain stretches to optimize the spine and pelvic ligaments. That has the effect of stabilizing this area.

As the baby develops in the belly and becomes heftier, your posture and center of gravity will also adjust. This, too, can cause a misalignment in the spine and joints. You'll need professional care to realign them back to the correct position.

Preventing Leg and Foot Pain

Your growing belly, uterus, and the baby's head during the third trimester can create extra pressure. These occurrences can lead to extra pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can lead to symptoms such as sharp shooting pain in the legs with every step you take.

It can also manifest itself in the form of a feeling of numbness and tingling in the back of the leg down to the foot. These feelings can create discomfort during your pregnancy. You might need a chiropractic adjustment to reduce the symptoms and ensure an easier delivery.

Safer Delivery for the Mother and Baby

Your child can be delivered correctly, only if your pelvis is in balance. With proper balance, you won't have to worry about complications such as a breeched or a posterior-facing baby.

The best delivery position is when the child is facing the rear, with its head down. A misaligned pelvis makes it difficult for a baby to assume this position. Only 3% to 4% of full-term babies will sit in the stubborn breech position.

But it's better to be safe than sorry.

Most OB-GYNs will opt for a C-section when that happens. Proper pelvic alignment reduces the probability of a breech presentation occurring. This minimizes the possibility of a long and complicated birth.

Chiropractic care will benefit you not only in childbirth but also during pregnancy. If your pelvis is out of alignment, it can restrict the space that the baby needs to develop. It can cause an intrauterine constraint.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of chiropractic therapy for pregnant women are well-documented. Therapy will prevent back pain, loosen your ligaments, and even help you give birth easier.

Whether you are going for a hospital or home birth, a chiropractor can help you. Only a few visits can reduce the possible complications that can occur during pregnancy or childbirth.

When seeking chiropractors, ensure you consult your doctor for advice and referrals. You shouldn't do anything without your doctor's knowledge. Select a chiropractor that has experience with pregnant patients.

Need a chiropractor? Contact us today!