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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care is a very safe and gentle approach for pregnant patients to create or maintain a balanced pelvis and have a proper position for birth. When spinal nerve stress is reduced, a patient’s overall health is allowed to flourish. Chiropractic, as a whole, is not contraindicated during pregnancy and is encouraged due to its natural approach to help alleviate potential back pain and provide ease to both mom and baby. During pregnancy, due to physiological and endocrinological changes, a misaligned spine can cause an increased back curve, pelvic changes and postural imbalances. When the pelvis is not in alignment, it may change the space for the developing baby and cause intrauterine restriction. It may also be more difficult for the baby to be in the right position for delivery and cause overall discomfort for mom. Space restriction can lead to the baby being in a breech position or be more posterior thus leading to a possible c-section. Read on to learn more about chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

What are some other benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy? When in proper spinal alignment and having a balanced pelvis a mom can spend less time during labor and delivery! If a mom has a birth plan of wanting a vaginal birth, having a proper pelvic outlet for the baby to travel through makes that possible. Yes, some c-sections are planned, but for those who choose the natural route, chiropractic care allows for that to occur more simply.

A common question from patients who seek care is if chiropractic care can help with breech carrying positions. A method of chiropractic analysis and adjustment, that addresses pregnancy, is called Webster Technique. This technique specializes in pelvic stabilization to reduce stress on the uterus and surrounding ligaments. When in balance, the pelvis allows for better fetal positioning and Webster Technique allows for this to happen very quickly. 

Going back to breech positioning, a baby can present as breech up until the third trimester and this is not considered abnormal until 37 weeks. Also, 4% of all pregnancies actually result in breech position delivery. Most first time moms can deliver up to 42 weeks and this is not a cause for concern either. In 2002, The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that 82% of vertex position babies were successfully positioned when the Webster Technique was used. When the pelvis is balanced there is a greater chance of helping to move a baby into the correct position for birth. To emphasize again, when in the right birth position, mom is at ease, baby is at ease and difficult labor is avoided.

The Van Ness Chiropractic Difference

At Van Ness Chiropractic, we realize that managing stress and imbalance related to pregnancy is not one size fits all. We have the clinical knowledge and expert staff to offer targeted treatment and patient education that is effective and empowering.  Call us today at 847-842-8070 to set up your appointment for a comprehensive examination and get on the road to health today.  You can also visit us at vannesschiro.com to find out more.

References:

1. International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

2. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 25, July/August 2002.