Pregnancy brings about some incredible changes in your body, and with those changes can come some increased discomfort and physical stress. However, finding relief may be harder than you anticipate. You may want a natural, non-invasive way to ease pain and support your overall well-being, which is why you may turn to a chiropractor for support.
But, with a baby on the way, safety is of the utmost importance. Is chiropractic care during pregnancy a safe and reliable option for pain relief? Can it help with back pain, posture, and labor preparation? In this blog, we’ll explore what chiropractic care during this experience looks like and the potential benefits it can offer for mother and baby.
What is Prenatal Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a reliable way to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly spinal misalignments. During pregnancy, this care is adjusted to accommodate changes to your body. Prenatal chiropractic care uses gentle techniques and specialized equipment to ensure comfort and safety throughout your treatment.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy aims to maintain proper spinal alignment and pelvic balance, especially as your body goes through major changes. As your baby grows and your center of gravity shifts, your posture and gait naturally change. This change puts pressure on your lower back, joints, and hips, leading to discomfort. A chiropractor trained in prenatal care can help address this issue in a way that supports these changes.
Is It Safe to See a Chiropractor While Pregnant?
Chiropractic care during your pregnancy is a safe way to reduce discomfort as long as it is performed by a trained and licensed chiropractic team. This treatment offers a drug-free, surgery-free way to address discomfort and alleviate chronic pain. Chiropractors who work with pregnant patients often have specialized certifications, like the Webster Technique.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care is a safe and reliable way to alleviate discomfort. However, it is important that you consult with your OB-GYN or midwife before beginning this treatment, especially if you’ve experienced prior complications through this or previous pregnancies.
If you’ve experienced any of the following conditions, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning treatment:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Placenta previa or placental abruption
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Moderate or severe toxemia
- A history of preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Relief from Back and Pelvic Pain
One of the most common complaints from pregnant patients is back pain, especially in the third trimester. Additionally, as your body begins to prepare for birth, your hips may widen, which can lead to extreme discomfort. Professional chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pressure on the spine and nerves, providing natural pain relief.
Improved Pelvic Alignment
A well-aligned pelvis creates an optimal space for your baby to grow and move, which is essential for maintaining your comfort throughout your pregnancy. Some patients may even find that chiropractic care helps them address and achieve optimal fetal positioning, which may contribute to a smoother, faster delivery.
Reduced Nausea
While this isn’t the most common benefit, some pregnant chiropractic patients may find that nausea and morning sickness are reduced through regular care. This alleviation of nausea can make it easier for patients to return to everyday activities that may have been put on hold as they struggled with this incredibly disruptive pregnancy symptom.
Shorter Labor and Delivery Time
Proper pelvic and spinal alignment may help your body function more efficiently during labor. If you want to do everything in your power to prepare for labor, it may be best to turn to a chiropractor for support. With their support, you may be able to achieve a shorter labor time and reduce your risk of pre-, peri-, and post-delivery complications.
Better Posture and Balance
As your baby grows and your body changes, your body may try to compensate in ways that strain your muscles and joints. Your chiropractor can help you maintain better posture and balance, reading your risk of falls while addressing any lingering discomfort that makes it difficult to perform day-to-day activities.
What to Expect During Prenatal Chiropractic Appointment
Before you go in for your first prenatal chiropractic appointment, you may want to know what you’re getting yourself into. Your first appointment typically involves a consultation, health history discussion, and physical examination. If your chiropractor believes you’ll benefit from treatment, they’ll begin to craft a personalized treatment plan.
They may recommend gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments to help you alleviate any aches or pains you’re experiencing. In addition to these adjustments, your chiropractor may make lifestyle adjustment suggestions or provide posture advice. These tips should help you stay comfortable between appointments, ensuring you get the most out of your care.
If you’re ever feeling nervous about your chiropractic appointments, it is important that you bring this up with your chiropractor. They can help you better understand why they choose specific treatments and how they can benefit pregnant clients. Open communication with your chiropractor helps ensure a smooth and stress-free process during pregnancy.
Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Pregnancy
If you’re experiencing back pain or pelvic discomfort or want to prepare your body for delivery, chiropractic care could be a helpful and safe option. Just be sure to turn to a chiropractor with prenatal training and always communicate with your primary care provider or OB-GYN about your upcoming treatment plan to ensure everything goes smoothly.
For individuals in the Tooele County area who want to begin prenatal chiropractic care, turn to our team at Muscle & Joint Chiropractic. For years, we’ve provided reliable, comprehensive care to patients across the area. Unlike the competition, our team spends dedicated time with you, ensuring your treatment plan perfectly addresses your aches, pains, and needs.
If you’d like to learn more about our prenatal chiropractic care or schedule an appointment at our Tooele or Grantsville office, don’t hesitate to contact us today.