Being pregnant is an exciting time, but many women also suffer greatly from the changes to their body and overall health. The pelvic ligaments loosen, a woman’s centre of gravity begins to shift forward, and everything just feels…well…off.
This is common, yes – but it’s not normal. The usual pregnancy pain that many woman describe is 100% treatable. A chiropractor who has a special interest in prenatal care can provide treatment during the pregnancy period that promotes joint and ligament health throughout the body, ensuring comfort throughout the process.
What is chiropractic?
According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA) “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.”
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
The majority of people associate chiropractic with spinal adjustments. However, it is more than just the cracking of the back. In fact, pregnancy care involves different techniques on ligaments, soft tissues and the muscles of the pelvis, along with gentle spinal adjustments.
According to the APA “there are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy,” and “chiropractors that have been trained to work with pregnant women may use tables for a pregnant woman’s body, and they will use techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen.”
When should you start care?
You can start chiropractic care as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed and your OBGYN approves treatment should there be any complications. It is recommended to get assessed from the start of your 2nd trimester, even if no pain or discomfort is being experienced.
What are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor while pregnant?
Chiropractic care helps to ease muscle and ligament tension to ensure optimal pelvic alignment, which in turn helps to pave the way for a smoother pregnancy and delivery. Here are some of the benefits:
- Increased overall comfort
- Reduced need for pain medication
- Back pain relief
- Treatment of SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction)
- Treatment of round ligament pain
- Reduce sciatic type pain
- Improve pelvic alignment
- Decrease intra-uterine constraint
- Reduced labour time
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved pelvic floor function
- Improved postpartum recovery
- Reduced risk of postpartum depression
Chiropractic care can provide a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery for mother and baby.
Pregnant women experience many daily changes within their bodies. These changes develop rapidly in just nine months and can sometimes be overwhelming. Chiropractic care helps to integrate these shifts with more ease.