Pregnancy and Chiropractic – What a Relief

Some describe pregnancy as the most memorable experience of their lives and a few use *different* words to describe it. Nausea, headaches, heartburn, fatigue, and back pain may be some of the symptoms that are encountered during their pregnancy. 50% to 75% of pregnant women have back pain during their pregnancy and the percent goes up during labor. As the pregnancy moves along and the baby gets bigger the pain increases and can limit what you are able to do. Luckily, there is enough research these days to offer insight on how one specific kind of care can offer relief during gestation.

Chiropractic care according to the American Pregnancy Association “Chiropractic care is health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, related nerves and bone geometry without drugs or surgery. It involves the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints in the body, especially of the spine, which reduces spinal nerve stress and therefore promotes health throughout the body”.

Some may think that “cracking my back” could be dangerous for my baby and may not understand exactly how beneficial Chiropractic can be. Many Chiropractors specialize in pregnancy and all are trained in caring for pregnant patients during their training to become doctors. The techniques that are used with pregnant women are tailored to avoid any unneeded pressure on the abdomen.

When the abdomen protrudes it causes a change in the alignment of the spine by increasing the curve in the lower back, pelvic changes, and postural adaptations that can lead to a misalignment of the spine or joints. Having a vaginal birth is the ultimate goal and can be interrupted if the mother does have pelvic balance and the pelvis becomes misaligned resulting in a c-section. Having continual chiropractic care during your whole pregnancy can significantly decrease in back labor when the time comes to deliver your baby.

There are many changes that occur during pregnancy that ultimately contribute to changes in the spine and joints such as:

• The increase in breast size to prepare for lactation causes additional strain to the mid and upper back.
• Lumbar spinal joints are affected when the lumbar curve is increased due to gravity moving forward as the abdomen grows.
• Pelvic misalignment and the spreading of the pelvis to slowly prepare for the ability of the baby to come through the birth canal.
• Hormones during pregnancy loosen joints which increases mobility and decreases the stability of the joints.
• The rib cage is affected as the baby grows and fetal movement increases of which causes aggravation to mid-back joints that connect to the ribs.
• Pelvic joints, hip joints, sciatic nerves, and supporting uterine ligaments are impacted due to an altered gait.

There are many benefits to chiropractic care while you are pregnant. It can relieve back, neck, or joint pain, prevent a cesarean delivery, and allow you to have a less stressful and more comfortable pregnancy. We would also like to mention that chiropractic care after the birth of your baby can assist with the alignment of the spine and joints to return to normal in a monitored and controlled environment. Contact Chiropractic Clinics of South Florida for an evaluation today