When you’re expecting a little one, your body goes through some remarkable changes. Hormones start to work their magic, loosening up your ligaments and joints to prepare for delivery. While this is a natural and necessary process, it can also cause a misaligned pelvis.
Additionally, as your baby grows, the extra weight can put a lot of strain on your back, causing discomfort and pain. That’s where chiropractic care comes into play. It can help reduce pain and improve well-being for you and your baby.
Hi there! My name is Dr. Craig, and I’ve been a practicing chiropractor for over 25 years. In my career, I’ve helped many pregnant women through the journey of pregnancy. One thing I’ve learned is that maintaining a healthy spine and proper alignment is crucial for a comfortable and smooth pregnancy experience.
In this blog post, I want to share with you the amazing benefits of chiropractic techniques during pregnancy. So, let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
As a chiropractor specializing in prenatal care, I’ve received extensive training on how to safely and effectively treat expectant mothers. I use specialized protocols and equipment designed specifically for pregnant women, ensuring the utmost safety and comfort for you and your little one.
Rest assured, chiropractic care during pregnancy is widely recognized as safe when provided by a qualified and experienced practitioner like myself. I follow strict guidelines and precautions to ensure that every adjustment and treatment is tailored to your unique needs and stage of pregnancy.
The incredible benefits that chiropractic care can offer during your pregnancy journey include:
1. Pain Relief
One of the most common complaints I hear from pregnant moms is joint pain, neck pain, and back pain. As your body changes and your baby grows, all that extra weight and shifting can really take a toll on your muscles and joints. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain by aligning your spine and relieving pressure on nerves and muscles.
2. Nausea Reduction
Morning sickness can be a real challenge, especially in those early months of pregnancy. But did you know that chiropractic care can help reduce nausea? By improving nerve function and addressing any misalignments that might contribute to the issue, I can help you feel better and enjoy those first few months more easily.
3. Pelvic Balance
Establishing pelvic balance is essential for your baby’s optimal positioning. If things are out of whack, it can increase the chances of your little one ending up in a breech presentation (head up instead of head down). That’s where the Webster Technique comes in – it’s a specialized chiropractic adjustment designed to create more space in your pelvis, allowing your baby to move into the ideal position for birth.
4. Easier Labor and Delivery
Research has shown that regular chiropractic care in pregnancy helps make labor and delivery smoother and more efficient (1). Keeping your spine and pelvis in proper alignment can facilitate a more straightforward birthing process, potentially reducing the need for cesarean sections or forceps.
5. Injury Prevention
Pregnancy can put a lot of extra strain on your body, increasing the risk of sprains, strains, and other injuries. Receiving chiropractic care helps keep you flexible and properly aligned, reducing the chances of these types of issues occurring during this delicate time.
6. Posture Support
Maintaining good posture can become increasingly challenging as your belly grows. However, having proper posture is essential for reducing discomfort and supporting your developing body. I can teach you ergonomic techniques and exercises to help you stand tall and feel your best throughout pregnancy.
7. Better Sleep
Sleep is essential when growing into a tiny human, but it can be elusive with all the pains and discomforts of pregnancy. Chiropractic care can enhance your sleep quality by addressing any misalignments that might be causing discomfort and providing guidance on optimal sleeping positions.
A review published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic interventions reduced pain and disability, potentially improving sleep during pregnancy (2).
8. Healthier Pregnancy
Did you know that chiropractic care can contribute to a healthier pregnancy overall? By minimizing inflammation and supporting your immune system, I can help reduce the risk of complications and keep you feeling your best throughout these nine amazing months (3).
9. Faster Postpartum Recovery
Labor and delivery can be incredibly taxing on your body. But chiropractic care can help you bounce back faster by addressing any lingering misalignments and promoting proper healing after giving birth (3).
Chiropractic Techniques for Pregnancy
1. The Webster Technique
The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed specifically for pregnant women. It involves gentle adjustments to the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine) and the surrounding muscles. This technique can help create more space in your pelvis, allowing your baby to move into the optimal position for delivery.
2. Adjusting Tables
Many chiropractors, like myself, use special adjusting tables that are designed with pregnant moms in mind. These tables have cutouts or special cushions to accommodate your growing belly and breasts, allowing you to lie comfortably and safely during your adjustments.
3. Techniques and Stretches
In addition to adjustments, I often incorporate various techniques and stretches into my prenatal chiropractic care routine. These can include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments
- Addressing Spinal and Hip Misalignments
- Improving Balance and Flexibility
Research and Evidence
Researchers have undertaken numerous studies on the efficacy and safety of chiropractic therapy during pregnancy. One review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care is a viable option for managing pregnancy-related back pain and other musculoskeletal issues (4).
But the research isn’t the only thing that speaks to the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care. I’ve had countless patients share their positive experiences with me, from reduced discomfort and better sleep to smoother labor and delivery experiences.
Do You Want to Experience the Benefits of Chiropractic Care Too?
Book your appointment today and start your journey towards a healthier pregnancy!
Get AppointmentThe Final Words
Pregnancy is an exciting and anticipated adventure but may also be uncomfortable and challenging. As a chiropractor with over 25 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how prenatal chiropractic care can help support expectant mothers throughout this fantastic process.
By addressing spinal misalignments, reducing discomfort, and promoting overall well-being, chiropractic techniques can contribute to a healthier pregnancy, easier labor and delivery, and faster postpartum recovery.
Whether you’re experiencing back pain or nausea or want to give your little one the best possible start, chiropractic care is a natural and complementary approach worth considering.
So, if you’re an expectant mom or planning to conceive, I encourage you to explore the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care. With the guidance of a qualified practitioner and the support of your healthcare team, you can embark on your pregnancy journey with greater comfort, confidence, and overall well-being.
REFERENCES:
- American Pregnancy Association. (2024, April 1). Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/
- George JW, Skaggs CD, Thompson PA, Nelson DM, Gavard JA, Gross GA. A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;208(4):295.e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2012.10.869
- Peterson CK, Mühlemann D, Humphreys BK. Outcomes of pregnant patients with low back pain undergoing chiropractic treatment: a prospective cohort study with short-term, medium-term, and 1 year follow-up. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(6):424-432. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.05.003
- National University of Health Sciences. (2024, April 1). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. National University of Health Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/
Meet Dr. Craig Eymann, a dedicated chiropractor and yoga enthusiast with over two decades of expertise in spinal health, sports chiropractic, and personalized care, prioritizing misalignment correction for swift injury resolution.
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