Over the years I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of women go through the tremendous physical and emotional changes experienced during the various stages of pregnancy, including my wife with three pregnancies (and a total of four kiddos, thanks to our twins!).
Many pregnant women suffer lower back, hip, and other body aches and pains due to increased stress on muscles and nerves, making the whole process uncomfortable and challenging.
Chiropractic care is a great way to treat and alleviate pregnancy pains without any medication. It can reduce nerve stress and helps maintain pelvic and spinal alignment to promote both emotional and physical well-being, during pregnancy, labor, and beyond.
My Chiropractor Got Me Pregnant
Modern reproductive medicine cannot always offer a clear explanation of why a healthy woman cannot get pregnant. One thing that is for certain is your hormones need the right balance and your body must create the proper environment. The same goes for infertility issues in men. All the nerves that control your hormone production and usage run through your spine and are controlled by your brain. When there is interference in those nerve communications, such as a misalignment in your spine, it can cause disruption in the proper function of those hormones.
Although chiropractic care isn’t necessarily a cure for couples dealing with infertility, it can assist conceiving in some cases.
Drug-Free Treatment for Pregnancy Symptoms
Many parents see the benefit of limiting drugs and interventions for a more “natural” approach to pregnancy and birth. Morning sickness, acid reflux, insomnia, and swelling in the feet and hands are just some of the common symptoms women can get blessed with during pregnancy. I always joke that I don’t know how women do it!
But it’s important to know that you can reduce or even eliminate these unwanted side effects and limit the risks for your developing child. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve pressure from different regions like the neck, lower back, and mid-back to improve sleep, minimize acid reflux, and improve nerve communication throughout the body (and to your growing baby!)
Immune Booster
Changes in posture and the spine obviously impact the optimal functioning of the nervous system, but it has influence on the immune system as well. The body can easily become vulnerable to various illnesses when stressed. Chiropractors suggest healthy lifestyle and nutritional changes that improve brain function and impact health positively. Routine chiropractor visits also keep the common pregnancy-related high blood pressure in check.
Low Back and Hip Pain in Pregnancy
More than 60% of women experience lower back pain as the increasing bump size leads to posture change that puts pressure on the joints and muscles. Regular chiropractic care corrects the spine alignment, lowers the muscle tension to ease the burden that causes pain, and improves posture. The chiropractor focuses on treating the root cause of the issue, preventing or reducing the need for any pain-relieving medication.
Pelvic Alignment, Stability, and Baby’s Positioning
Pelvic misalignment is common during pregnancy as the baby grows in size. It makes it difficult for the baby to stay in a proper position. Chiropractic care re-establishes the balance and promotes stability throughout the pregnancy.
Chiropractors use special techniques and adjustments, especially during the last stage of pregnancy, to give babies optimal space and placement. It prepares the baby to stay in the appropriate position for a healthy, safe, and normal delivery.
Delivery Pain and Duration
Longer labor hours and intense pain are a nightmare for pregnant women. Proper pelvic alignment and appropriate baby position through regular chiropractic care can help decrease labor time and alleviate the aches with delivery. It also reduces the possibility of a cesarean delivery by working on any ongoing tight musculoskeletal issues.
Postpartum Chiropractic Care
Postpartum chiropractic care promotes faster physical recovery and helps the body regain its original shape quickly. Chiropractic care is also beneficial in lowering the possibility of postpartum depression and helps improve posture for breast feeding. New moms are already dealing with a number of discomforts while healing from delivery, but chiropractic can help them to avoid the pains related to poor breastfeeding posture.
Baby’s First Check Up
When mom and dad are ready, we offer complimentary spinal checks for newborns as early as 1 day old. The process of being born can be traumatic on their small spine and nerve systems. An early check can help kick start growth and development and eliminate some of the causes of common infant complaints, including GI issues like gas and constipation, colic, torticollis, and reflux.
A woman’s body endures a lot before, during, and after pregnancy. Working with a chiropractor can help for a smooth and less painful pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience through natural, drug-free, and holistic treatment options.
