Once pregnant and until the birth of her child, a women takes all the proper precautions to maintain her health and that of her child's. This is when diet becomes important, alcohol, drugs, caffeine and tobacco are eliminated from her routine. Regular exercise is encouraged and educating yourself on how to raise a healthy baby are important. However, most pregnant women are unaware of the benefits of chiropractic and how it can make their pregnant months more comfortable and also reduce the pain of labor and delivery, helping to ease the risk of complications.
Is chiropractic safe during Pregnancy?
ABSOULTELY!
During pregnancy most women experience pain and discomfort as their bodies adapt to many changes taking place inside. These changes not only include hormonal changes but biomechanical changes as the body deals with extra weight and changes to posture. Such changes can affect our spine ultimately leading to complications with nerves, joints, connective tissue, ligaments, posture and stability. At Northstar Chiropractic Natural Wellness Center, we monitor the events taking place with your spine during pregnancy to ensure that complications are avoided and your future spinal health remains optimal. Ensuring that the spine, pelvis and nervous system remain in check is our focus. Being free from subluxations allows you and your baby to function optimally. Pregnant mothers free from subluxations experience greater comfort, less pain, shorter labor and delivery times. As a whole these mothers experience vitality and health throughout their pregnancy and are better prepared to deal with the stress that childbirth can provide.
A common myth exists amongst the some of the obstetrical community that chiropractic has no role in the life of a pregnant individual. This could not be further from the truth and has led to many myths regarding the power of chiropractic. As a result, many have endured unnecessary suffering during their pregnancy.
Once pregnant, women may feel they must stop their chiropractic care. This is not true. Regular adjustments can make pregnancy easier and less stressful. In addition, delivery more comfortable with less complications. Chiropractic care is a valuable part of pregnancy and can be used safely throughout.
Chiropractic adjustments do not harm the pregnant mother or her unborn child. In fact, maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system throughout pregnancy can prevent further postural problems that might occur during and following childbirth.
Chiropractic has documented benefits in reducing back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. The application of chiropractic adjustments during labor and delivery offer a safer method to reduce pain and suffering that are usually dealt with via pain-relieving drugs. This ensures the safety of both the mother and child.
Can Chiropractic Aid with Breech Presentations?
The latest progress in chiropractic prenatal care is a technique to correct breech presentation to ensure the proper positioning of the baby prior to birth. Dr. L. Webster of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association designed a technique to allow chiropractors to release the stress on the pregnant pelvis, relaxing the uterus, allowing the baby to turn naturally into the proper birth position. A 94% success ratio has been noted with Breech turning to allow for easy delivery. Other helpful supportive therapies such as specific acupuncture points and homeopathic remedies have aided many mothers to be during breech presentation too.
After pregnancy?
Post-partum chiropractic care is a must to ensure pre-pregnant status is achieved. Correcting subluxations within the spine and pelvis are very important considerations to achieve and maintain optimal health potential.
The 9th Month of Pregnancy
According to Parenting (1997) during this time frame, as your baby descends into your pelvic cavity, you may experience sharp, stabbing pains at the base of your spine or in the middle of your pelvic bone. This creates uncomfortable twinges or "pins and needles" in the cervix itself. Pain can radiate down your back or thighs. The increased pelvic aches and pains are likely due to the relaxation and stretching of your pelvic ligaments in preparation for labor. These discomforts can be dealt with by changing positions. A chiropractor experienced in working on pregnant people may be able to help with pelvic adjustments to help balance the hips and pelvis. It is our personal theory that chiropractic care in pregnancy can help to avoid or relieve back pain and also prepare your back and pelvic structures for the stresses of labor and delivery.
The 9th Month. W. Sears, MD, M. Sears, RN. Parenting, June/July 1997.
The safety of Epidurals for Newborns
A new study suggests that an epidural to numb the body from the waist to alleviate the pain of delivery may have drawbacks. Women requesting an epidural usually develop a fever during delivery, signaling that their newborns may be ill. After, testing the newborn proves to be infection free.
F.A.Q's About Pregnancy and Chiropractic
1. Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Of course! A safe alternative to drugs is wonderful for both mother and baby.
2. Is there a time in pregnancy when spinal adjustments should stop?
No! Some women have even received chiropractic during labor to aid in reducing pain with delivery.
3. Should I see a chiropractor if I only have a painful pregnancy?
No! Regular spinal screenings and updates should be common. Remember, your body is changing in many ways and that can place a great deal of stress on your spine and nervous system. So rather than wait for problems to arise, prevent them by frequent visits to your
Natural Treatment Modalities and Pregnancy
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•Massage therapy and Chiropractic adjustments offer a drug-free solution to pain during pregnancy, and can help with labor
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•Massage therapy, acupuncture and gentle myofascial stretches of the ligaments around the pelvis can help reduce pain and imbalances and lower back pain
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•Nutritional evaluation and supplementation are key during a pregnancy - we can show you what your body needs, and what you should avoid
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•Acupuncture and other therapy modalities can be used to help with morning sickness, and to help induce a full term labor
Scientific Research Supports Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy
“chiropractic care is associated with improved outcomes in pregnancy-related low back pain”
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):447-54.
“chiropractic was safe (during pregnancy)...effective for reducing pain intensity”
J Midwifery Womens Health. 2006 Jan-Feb;51(1):e7-10.
“clinicians may want to consider manipulative therapy as a treatment option, if no contraindications are present”
Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2009 Jun;64(6):416-27.
“Chiropractic evaluation and treatment during pregnancy may be considered a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal symptoms that affect pregnant patients.”
J Chiropr Med. 2007 Jun;6(2):70-4.
“chiropractic treatment was safe in these cases and support the hypothesis that it may be effective for reducing pain intensity.”
J Midwifery Womens Health. 2006 Jan-Feb;51(1):e7-10.
“The treated group experienced less pain during labor”
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Feb;14(2):116-8.
