Have you ever heard that it takes a village to raise a child? At Dr. Andrea’s, we believe it takes a team to support a mama-to-be throughout her pregnancy. That team can include midwives, doulas, massage therapists, OBGYNs, nutritionists, acupuncturists, and yes, even chiropractors.
For many pregnant women, aches and pains in the lower back and hips are part of the experience pregnancy provides. Fortunately, pregnancy-related pain relief can be taken care of during a routine visit to a chiropractor’s office.
Is Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Safe?
This is a common question we get from potential patients, and our answer is always, “yes.” You see, chiropractic care is defined as health maintenance of the spinal column and the adjustment of misaligned joints. Visiting a chiropractor never involves drugs or surgery. Chiropractors strictly work with your body to help promote optimal health. Because of this, chiropractic care is deemed safe during pregnancy.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy?
- Chiropractic Benefit: Eliminate Back Pain
Though the benefits of seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy are numerous, the most commonly spoken about benefit our pregnant patients praise is our ability to help eliminate lower back pain.
You see, as your body prepares for labor and delivery it produces a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin works to relax and loosen all the ligaments and joints in your pelvic area. When you receive an adjustment from a chiropractor during pregnancy, you can work to relieve back pain that stems from relaxed these ligaments.
Carrying is a baby is no easy task. As the baby grows the changes your body goes through can lead to misaligned spine or joints due to your heavier, protruding abdomen and increased back curve, as-well-as pelvic changes, and postural adaptations. Some pregnant women unintentionally curve their backs as their babies become heavier and larger, which can throw the spine out of alignment and trigger back pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help correct posture on pregnant women in order to eliminate back pain.
- Chiropractic Benefit: Reduce Swelling
Many other common ailments pregnant women often complain of deal with swelling. For example, sciatic nerve pain and carpel tunnel. Both of these ailments arise due to swelling around the nerves. When you choose to visit a chiropractor for issues such as sciatica and carpal tunnel, the chiropractor is able to help diminish sciatic nerve pain by adjusting your body in ways that will provide better circulation (blood flow) as opposed to congestion in those areas that lead to your discomfort.
- Chiropractic Benefit: Reduce Nausea
Another benefit of seeking chiropractic care during pregnancy is a reduction in nausea. Nausea is one of the most common pregnancy systems that can be incredibly uncomfortable, and plague pregnant women for months on end. A chiropractor can help reduce nausea and vomiting by realigning your spine which improves your overall nervous system function. Chiropractic care can also help improve pregnancy-related digestive issues such as heartburn and constipation to help reduce nausea as well.
- Chiropractic Benefit: Easier Labor and Delivery
You did not misread benefit number four. It does say that visiting a chiropractor can provide for an easier labor and delivery, and let’s break down how that is even a possibility.
Getting regular chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy can help ensure your pelvis, spine, and hips are properly aligned, allowing your nerves to function at an optimal level. Did you know that your nerves are responsible for controlling your contractions and dilating your cervix during labor and delivery? It’s true! When your pelvis is misaligned and your nerves are not in optimal health it is difficult for a baby to get in the best possible position for delivery, making it MORE LIKELY to need a c-section.
While all licensed chiropractors receive training in caring for pregnant women, not all specialize in it. At Dr. Andrea’s, we are proud to say that we specialize in prenatal care. We use tables to accommodate growing bellies, and through proper techniques, we assure you that we will never put pressure on your abdomen. If you are pregnant and want relief from symptoms such as nausea and back pain, or are interested in experiencing the safest possible labor and delivery, then click here to make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!
