Chiropractic Benefits During Pregnancy
By Debra Rodzinak
Women who are expecting a baby often deal with aches, discomfort, and back pain during their expectant months. However, the American Pregnancy Association suggests that regular adjustments by a highly qualified chiropractor, like the doctors at The Joint Chiropractic, can help pregnant mothers find safe and effective relief for the muscles and joints that become pulled and stretched during pregnancy.
Benefits for Expectant Mothers
Ligaments need to stretch during pregnancy to allow the pelvis to move and widen for the movement of the baby during the birthing process. This is accomplished by the release of the hormone relaxin. Unfortunately, relaxin also loosens the structures of the spine, which results in muscle spasms or nerve pain.
The First Trimester
During the first three months of pregnancy, many changes are happening for the mother-to-be. Regular chiropractic adjustments during this time can help to keep the spine balanced for the rest of the pregnancy. When the spine is in proper alignment, the body is able to make the natural adjustments to accommodate weight gain, nausea, and fatigue that often accompany pregnancy.
Discussions with a Chiropractor
When expecting, a patient should notify her chiropractor immediately. Electrical muscle stimulation would not be used on pregnant mothers; with the release of relaxin, spinal manipulation actually becomes easier. All of the gentle spinal manipulations performed on expectant mothers are safe and effective to prepare the patient for the upcoming birth. When the body is in proper alignment, the nervous system functions properly. Expectant mothers often cannot take many medicines and therefore benefit from therapies that are natural.
Breech Birth
During the last trimester, the baby should turn from the head-up position to the head-down position. However, some babies do not make this turn and end up in the breech position. Specific chiropractic treatments, like the Webster Technique, can assist the baby naturally with turning into the proper position to prepare for the journey through the pelvis without the use of drugs.
If you are expecting and looking for a natural way to find relief for your aching back or joints, drop by The Joint Chiropractic and discuss the safe and effective treatment options offered to pregnant mothers. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, finding relief during pregnancy without the use of drugs or surgery is easy and stress-free.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.