PREGNANCY

Introduction
Aches and pains, particularly in the lower back and hips, are practically a part of pregnancy, with about half of all pregnant women experiencing back pain before the birth of their babies.It’s discouraging when pain and discomfort overshadow the excitement of pregnancy.

Pregnant women, however, don’t have to grin and bear it. In fact, during pregnancy is one of the most important times to visit a chiropractor, as chiropractic care can bring significant relief.

Pregnancy Pain
From virtually the moment of conception, the pregnant body undergoes many hormonal, mechanical and chemical changes that create a sort of perfect storm that packs a wallop on the pregnant body. These changes are coordinated by the nervous system, and so a healthy spine is crucial to a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.

These hormonal and physical changes can have a huge impact on a woman’s posture and comfort. The average woman gains 20 to 40 pounds during pregnancy, and the growing baby alters a woman’s gait and shifts a woman’s center of gravity and posture, which can lead to a misaligned spine or joints.

Among other changes in a pregnant woman’s body: a growing belly can increase the curve of the spine (“lordosis”), and it can cause shifts in the pelvis as the body prepares to deliver the baby. The abdominal muscles stretch to make room for the growing baby, leaving the back muscles to carry most of the load.

Treatment
A chiropractor can address these issues, with adjustments designed to re-align the pelvis and spine. This realignment is not only beneficial to the mom, but to the baby as well, because a pelvis that’s out of alignment means less space for the growing baby, and potentially a more difficult delivery. A pelvis that’s out of alignment restricts the space a baby can move into the rear-facing,head-down position for delivery, resulting in more breech and posterior presentations and cesarean sections.

The pelvis’s sacroiliac joints function better after chiropractic adjustments, so there is less likelihood of painful back labor.

Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy have shorter labor and deliveries, use fewer analgesics during labor and delivery, and report significantly less back pain during pregnancy.

Besides helping you maintain a healthier pregnancy, and helping relieve pain in the back, hips, and joints, regular chiropractic treatments can also help control nausea.

There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy, and all chiropractors receive training related to pregnancy. Chiropractic care is ideal during pregnancy because it can relieve pregnancy pain and discomfort without the use of medications which could be harmful to babies.

Chiropractors will use adjusting tables, and other techniques, to avoid putting any direct pressure on your fetus.

Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact us today and schedule an appointment with SpinePlus Chiropractic.