For many pregnant women, aches and pains in the lower back and hips are very common. In fact, approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience back pain before they deliver. Luckily, relief may be just a chiropractic adjustment away. Here are some things you should know about the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Is Seeing a Chiropractor Safe During Pregnancy?

  Chiropractic care is the health maintenance of the spine and the adjustment of misaligned joints. Chiropractic care is a natural form of medicine to help reduce spinal nerve stress and promote health throughout the body. 

  All licensed chiropractors receive training related to pregnancy, some chiropractors specialize in prenatal care. To adjust pregnant women, some chiropractors will use adjusting tables to accommodate their growing bellies. All chiropractors use techniques that won’t put pressure on the abdomen and that are gentle and not aggressive to the body. A chiropractor can also show you safe effective stretches for relieving tension and easing discomfort at home.

 How Can Chiropractic Care Help During Pregnancy?

  There are many hormonal and physical changes you’ll experience during your pregnancy. Some of these will have an impact on your posture and comfort. As the baby becomes heavier, your center of gravity shifts, and your posture adjusts accordingly.

These physical changes during your pregnancy can lead to a misaligned spine or joints. Other uncomfortable changes during pregnancy might include:

• a protruding abdomen resulting in an increased curve of your back

• changes to your pelvis as your body begins to prepare for labor

• adaptations to your posture

  Regular visits to a chiropractor during your pregnancy can help with these issues. One collaborative chiropractic and medical study revealed that 75 percent of pregnant chiropractic care patients reported pain relief. Plus, adjustments are designed to re-establish balance and alignment to your pelvic area and spine will do more than just make you feel better. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for your baby, too.

Is Chiropractic Care Beneficial for Your Baby-to-be?

   A pelvis that’s out of alignment can restrict the amount of space available to your developing baby. Another complication that a misaligned pelvis may pose relates to delivery. When the pelvis is out of alignment, it can make it hard for your baby to move into the best position to be born, which is rear-facing, head down.

   A balanced pelvis means your baby has a lower chance of moving into a breech or posterior position. Chiropractors can use a method of adjusting called the “Webster Method” which is a series of gentle chiropractic adjustments that aligns the pelvis and includes a soft tissue release of associated muscle groups. This method has been known to successfully turn a breech baby into the correct birthing position. (In my career as a chiropractor, there has been less than a handful, that i  not been able to turn.)

   Other evidence points to improved outcomes in labor and delivery for women who’ve received chiropractic care during their pregnancy. In fact, it may help reduce the length of time you’re in labor. In addition, regular chiropractic care while you’re pregnant can offer the following benefits:

• help you maintain a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy

• relieving pain in the back, neck, hips, and joints

• help to control symptoms of nausea

If you or someone you know is pregnant and is interested in receiving chiropractic care don’t hesitate to give us a call at Sheppard Chiropractic we would be happy to help! . Thanks for reading, Dr. Joe