Pregnancy is a time of massive change – mentally, emotionally, hormonally and physically. It is also a time when many women look for other options in order to manage various health challenges during their pregnancy.
Every week in practice we get many enquiries from pregnant mums-to-be who are interested about the role chiropractic care may play in supporting a healthy pregnancy (both for mum and bub). And these women are pleasantly surprised to hear that we care for many pregnant women from early as pre-conception, during pregnancy and during post-natal recovery as well.
So how can chiropractic care help during pregnancy?
1. Back Pain Relief
Due to the mechanical changes associated with pregnancy, many women suffer from Lower Back Pain and/or sciatica. As the baby grows, changes occur in the mum's pelvis and hips and weight is shifted forward on the spine and joints. Chiropractic Care can be effective in managing these changes and relieving the associated pain and symptoms.
2. Better Birth Positioning
During pregnancy a woman’s pelvis is put under severe pressure. This can cause pelvic misalignment and unbalancing of the uterus, which can affect the child’s foetal position. This can make it difficult for a baby to move from the breech position to a cephalic (head-first) position prior to birth. Adjustments can help to balance the pelvis and provide an improved position for a baby during pregnancy.
3. Decreased Labour and Birth time
Getting adjusted, keeping the spine and sacrum aligned, flexible and moving ahead of labour is a great idea. Research has shown that pregnant mums under chiropractic care have decreased labour times, and decreased interventions required during delivery. [The effects of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study. Fallon J. Proceedings of the world chiropractic congress. 1991; 24-31]
4. Improved Post-Natal Recovery
Physical and biochemical changes that occur during pregnancy cease abruptly after birth. And as the mum's body begins to heal after delivery, this is a wonderful time to work on spinal alignment and stability. Working on core strength, pelvic floor strength, and of course the new mechanical challenges of breastfeeding while mum is healing will help her transition to motherhood as pain free and seamless as possible.
If you feel that Chiropractic Care may help you or a loved one during their pregnancy, please give us a call on 9637 0500 to get the conversation started.