Chiropractic and pregnancy – a natural combination!

Today’s women are taking more responsibility for their health, questioning their health care providers about a variety of topics. This is never more true than during pregnancy. New mothers want he best for their babies, so they strive to become informed on nutrition, drugs, exercise and chiropractic care. Why would chiropractic care be so important during pregnancy? There are a number of reasons, but first we should explain what chiropractic care entails.

The spine is made of a series of 24 movable bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are stacked on e on top of another to form a boney column. The vertebrae are separated from each other by discs and are held together by ligaments are muscles. This arrangement allows movement and at the same time provides vital protection for the spinal cord inside. The spinal cord is an important structure. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body is connected to and receives energy through nerves arising from the brain and spinal cord. The nervous system is so important for life that is the first system to form in the developing embryo. It directs the formation of all the organs and systems. Without proper nerve flow, organs and tissues cannot function properly, and health is compromised.

Nerves carrying the important nerve energy, exit from the spinal cord between the vertebrae through small openings called foramina. If there is a misalignment (a subluxation) of the vertebrae, the nerve can be “pinched” or irritated and nerve flow can be blocked. This results in pain, tension in the muscles and may affect proper functioning of the organs supplied by the nerves.

Chiropractors are the only health care professionals trained in the detection and correction of spinal subluxations. Once the subluxation has been corrected, normal nerve flow returns and the body is able to restore normal function and better health.

Why is this form of health care important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the added weight gain is all in front of the spine. This changes the center of gravity and increases the strain on the neck and back. In addition, the spine becomes more flexible due to hormones like Relaxin, that cause ligaments to stretch, preparing the body for birth. This combination of weight gain and increased flexibility provides the perfect environment for misalignment of the spine to occur. A recent study showed that 40% of women have back pain during their pregnancy and 45% during their labour. Patients undergoing chiropractic treatments during their pregnancy experienced less pain during labour than those who were not treated by a chiropractor.

Benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy

First trimester:

No or minimal morning sickness / nausea

Second trimester:

            No or minimal postural or muscle discomfort

            i.e. low back pain, mid-back pain or leg pain

Overall wellness as your nervous system is functioning at its optimal level.

Third trimester:

            Decreased probability of a breech delivery

            No or minimal back or leg discomfort

            Decreased breathing difficulties

            Decreased baby malposition in birth canal

            Decreased delivery time

Fourth trimester:

          Minimizing loss of cervical curve leading neck pain, headaches due to modifying posture to feed baby.

           Increased breast size and milk production, along with breast-feeding posture strains the mid-back and upper-back. 

           Helping the altered mechanics in the lumbar spine and pelvis come back after pregnancy/birth.

           Helping stretched and weaker pelvic floor and abdominal regain core strength.