Is This SAFE During Pregnancy?
The Answer Might Surprise You
According to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care throughout all trimesters of pregnancy is safe and effective with no known contraindications. Chiropractors have specialized training for pregnancy and post natal care, as well as infant care.
Once the fetus has grown some, typically in the second trimester, most chiropractors will utilize an adjusting table with a pelvic drop piece in order to accommodate the woman's growing abdomen. Gentle techniques that avoid putting excessive pressure on the abdomen are used as well. Stretching and exercises are usually recommended.
Due to the physiological and hormonal changes that naturally occur during gestation, the ligaments will loosen in preparation for the delivery; this often times causes increased lumbar curve and misalignment in the spine, and, of course, pain. During this period, sciatic pain traveling down one or both legs, is a common occurrence due to the pressure from the baby. In addition, many women will suffer from generalized back pain and/or leg cramps during the third trimester and experience headaches, including migraines.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can bring great relief to ALL of these common discomforts. The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs underneath the uterus and down the legs to the sole of the foot; the developing fetus can put pressure on this nerve. Also due to pressure from the baby, leg cramping and muscle spasms will affect approximately 50% of pregnant women. Back pain will affect between 50-70% of pregnant women and can occur at any point during the pregnancy. Due to shifting hormone levels, weight gain, postural changes and pressure from the baby, back pain can disrupt your sleep and dramatically affect your quality of life. Headaches may be the most common complaint, affecting the majority of pregnant women. During the first trimester, they are caused mostly by hormonal changes, but during the third trimester, their cause is usually due to tension and postural changes due to the weight of the baby. Neck and mid-back adjustments can help bring the cervical spine back into alignment.
The benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy reach far beyond pain control. When the pelvis is aligned, there will be more room for the developing fetus so it will not be constrained. When the time is near for delivery, the chiropractic adjustments will enable the baby to get into the best position for the birth and lessen the chance of a cesarean delivery. Most women who receive regular chiropractic care during their pregnancies not only have a much easier delivery, but they tend to recover more rapidly as well.
If you are pregnant, or you know any expectant mothers, please come in for a no charge, no obligation consultation. We have the extra training, 30 years experience as well as the necessary adjusting table. Our goal is to help make your pregnancy and delivery a wonderful, healthy, pain free experience!
Chiropractic Maintenance
CHIROPRACTIC MAINTENANCE CARE REALLY DOES WORK!
For about 100 years now, chiropractors have been encouraging patients to continue with maintenance care after the initial phase of more frequent treatment, and this study shows that patients with chronic low back pain who receive on-going maintenance care have much better outcomes than patients who stop treatment after the initial phase. Read more here.
