As a new mom experiences the exciting anticipation of her new arrival her sense of self-care heightens to enable her body to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for her growing baby. However, this experience is typically accompanied with discomfort as the new mom’s body begins to change. What some moms do not realize is that many discomforts can be easily resolved with the care of a trusted chiropractor who can ensure that her pregnancy experience is relatively pain free.
In today’s society, women learn to accept common pregnancy related ailments. However, with the help of a qualified chiropractor, a well functioning body can enable expecting mothers to easily battle these discomforts. Chiropractors typically deal with the spine and pelvis. In doing so, they enable new moms to adapt to their changing bodies more efficiently, reducing the occurrence of common issues associated with pregnancy.
A Better Pregnancy Experience with Chiropractic Care:
As mom’s belly grows to accommodate her developing baby, her weight and center of gravity begin to shift forward. This creates postural alterations, accompanied with increase ligament laxity, typically resulting in an increase in biomechanical stress in the low back and pelvis that can cause these women to experience more pain and discomfort. A chiropractor will address these biomechanical changes of the body when treating a pregnant woman. Commonly focusing on adjusting the sacrum and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis to ensure her changing body is aligned and symmetrical, allowing her body to adapt optimally to these biomechanical changes associated with pregnancy.
Research shows that correct alignment of the pelvis and spine can contribute to an uncomplicated labour, resulting in less pain and reduced trauma for mother and child. Dr. Irvin Henderson, M.D., (a member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees) conducted a study demonstrating that women who received chiropractic therapy were able to carry and deliver their child with greater comfort than those who did not receive any chiropractic care.2
Studies estimate that at least 50% of women experience back pain at some point during their pregnancy, most commonly affecting the low back and pelvis. 72% of pregnant women seeking chiropractic care for back pain benefited from chiropractic treatment, resulting in less pain and discomfort.3
Add a chiropractor to your prenatal health care team!
Establishing a trusted chiropractor as part of your pre and postnatal health care team is essential. This provides you with another knowledgeable health care professional that will support you throughout your pregnancy and your life with your little one.
What to look for in a chiropractor for your pregnancy:
Consultation: Feel free to interview a prospective chiropractor before booking your first visit by asking for a consultation. Ask the chiropractor if they consider prenatal care to be a primary focus in their practice.
Webster Technique Certification: Proficiency in this technique is a great qualification to look for when searching for a chiropractor. It focuses primarily on the mother’s anatomy and the relationship between the pelvic biomechanics and the uterus. The pelvis attaches to and supports the uterus using ligaments to suspend the uterus within the pelvic structure. When the pelvis is misaligned, it alters the symmetry of these ligaments, affecting the position of the uterus within the pelvis. When this technique is used, the sacrum is adjusted which reduces constraints within the uterus.
It’s so much more than back pain: Does your chiropractor ask you questions about your pregnancy or pregnancy related concerns? Do they have a resource center or referral network dedicated to pregnant moms? Do they ensure that you are satisfied with their responses to your questions? Do they ask about your birthing goals? These are all things to look for when interviewing a chiropractor for your prenatal care.
Ask Questions: You should feel comfortable asking your chiropractor questions regarding the specific concerns you have about your pregnancy. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions or feel as though your chiropractor dances around the subject of pregnancy, it might be a good idea to find a new one for the remainder of your pregnancy.
What to expect during treatment:
The doctor should ask you questions about your pregnancy, how things are going, concerns you may have and how you feel your treatment is going.
Gentle techniques to adjust your pelvis. Many chiropractic tables have a special piece that accommodates the mother’s growing belly. Most pregnant women find this very relaxing and comfortable.
Your chiropractor should provide healthy tips on what to do and what not to do during pregnancy
Describing at home exercises that you can do to ensure your body is ready for labour and delivery.
A resource list for all your pregnancy health needs. Whether you are looking for a doula, midwife, prenatal yoga, prenatal fitness class or any other provider for your prenatal experience, your chiropractor should have a list handy to provide you with all of the resources within your area.
You will likely see your chiropractor on a regular basis, and more frequently as your due date nears due to the structural and hormonal changes, increasing ligament laxity, postural changes and varying discomfort levels. Express the concerns you have regarding your pregnancy with your chiropractor. Utilize this time to educate yourself about your ever-changing body. Ask questions. Get informed. This is your time to learn and to enjoy your experience.
Dr. Caitlin Zietz, B.Sc, D.C.
Resources
1. i. Meeker WC. Haldeman S. Chiropractic: A Profession at the Crossroads of Mainstream and Alternative Medicine. Ann Intern Med. 2002;36:216-217
ii. Bodane C., Brownson K. The Growing Acceptance of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Health Care Manag. 2002;20:11-21.
2. Henderson I, MD. American Medical Association records released in 1987 during trial in U.S. District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division, No. 76C 3777. May, 1987.
3. Borggren C. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. J Chirop Med. 2007; 6(2): 70–74. [PubMed]
4. Frietag P. Expert testimony of P Frietag MD PhD., comparing the results of two neighbouring hospitals, US District Court Northern Illinois Eastern Division, No,. 76C 3777. May 1987.
5. Fallon J D.C. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic, 1991:24-31.