Perfect for Pregnant Women! By Dr. Teja Fox
Why is seeing a chiropractor perfect for pregnant women? Pregnancy shifts the mother’s center of gravity, causing her spine to compensate with changes to the normal curves. As a pregnant woman, your posture then reflects this compensation. This can lead to symptoms like low back/thoracic pain, sciatica, pain/tingling/numbness, swelling and stiffness.
Hormones circulating in the body also create ligament laxity, or what we know as the ability to stretch, to prepare the pelvis for the birth process. While critical for birth of course, this can lead to misalignments or subluxations that can restrict normal nerve and blood flow.
Misalignments in the pelvis and spine affect the biomechanics of the baby, not just the mother. This can lead to intrauterine constraint, where the baby’s space for development is limited. A higher risk of breech babies, unplanned medical intervention and birth trauma is seen when the mother’s pelvis can not move appropriately during labor.
Benefits from Chiropractors’ Care — Pre-Natal and During Birth
Spinal and pelvic adjustments can address these misalignments, not only helping to prevent these possible problems; adjustments will also relieve stress and relax the mother-to-be through stimulating the release of neurochemicals like dopamine and endorphins. These are the substances that give us the feeling of well-being and help block pain.
Should a breech or posterior birth be in process, there are specially trained chiropractors that can assist in turning the baby. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2002 reported that this [Webster] technique has an 82% success rate.
“Research shows that correct alignment of pelvis and spine contributes to a more straightforward labor with less pain and trauma for mother and child and may result in significantly reduced labor time.” Dr. Jennifer Barham, Floreani, D.C.
What You Can Do For Your Overall Health When You Are Pregnant
Educate yourself about the process of pregnancy and birth. There are many types of birth plans — find the one that works for you!
Find an ob-gyn you feel comfortable with, and be sure to see him/her regularly.
Proper nutrition and diet are essential for the development of your baby. Fresh, local food is best, but supplements are key to proper growth. These should include quality sources of Vitamin A,* C, K, B12, Folic acid, iron, Magnesium, Omega 3s, and probiotics. (*Vit A should be from a beta-carotene source—otherwise limit intake. Fish sources should be wild, which are higher in Omega 3s and lower in toxins.)
Exercise in the right balance and form is important. Make sure you are checked before starting a regimen. Ask about Cardio exercises — these should keep your heart rate below 150 bpm. Also be sure to check into stretching. Yoga or Pilates can be very helpful.
Specific Suggestions You Can Incorporate For Your Spinal Health When You Know You Are Pregnant
Keep your knees slightly flexed or unlocked during standing and refrain from wearing high heels.
Do not lift heavy objects and carry objects close to the chest for less strain.
Avoid rotation or twisting of your spine. Turn with your shoulders and hips, together, at the same time whenever possible.
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with it under your knees.
Practice pelvic floor muscle exercises and other exercises to help keep your muscles strong.
Coordinate regular visits to your ob-gyn with regular visits to your chiropractor, to be checked for subluxations!
Final Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy
Don’t underestimate the power of a positive attitude. Rest as much as you can, incorporating meditation and affirmations.
Remember, the “effects” felt during pregnancy are your body’s way of adapting to the stress of creating a new life!